United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Maritime Diplomacy
Over the years, ocean areas have emerged as the center of wide ranging activities. Thus, small changes in diplomatic terminology (from 'Asia Pacific' to 'Indo-Pacific' in the India-US Joint Statement) indicate a significant shift in the geopolitical axis.
India has provided this broadness by making significant changes in its maritime diplomacy in recent years. The Indian Ocean remains the center of wide-ranging activities today. It has the following dimensions
India aims to ensure the security of the sea route to East and South-East Asia (by keeping the 'Block Points' of the Strait of Malacca free and independent ).
India is increasing its engagement in the Arabian Sea under its'Look West Maritime Diplomacy'.
Strategic partnership with Oman and UAE is an important step in this direction. The 'Dukm' super port project in Oman will lead to a wide range of strategic and economic activities in the Arabian Ocean.
The Arabian Ocean provides a sea route for oil and other product imports (the Indian plans to diversify its sources).Also, this region is the source of employment and remittance for India for about 70 lakh NRIs living in the Middle East.
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is an important geo-strategic dimension of the movement of Indian troops to the Gulf countries.
On the one hand, China is preparing to en circle India inthis area through its 'Sting of Persona' (construction of naval base in Djibouti and development of sea ports like Gwadar, Hambantota). Atthe same time, India is taking forward programs like 'Project Mausam (building relations with Indian Ocean countries on the basis of natural and cultural heritage') under its 'Soft Power Diplomacy'in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Bangladesh etc.Here India's Sagar Mala Project (infrastructural development of major sea ports and connecting them with inland waterways etc.) India aims to promote ' Blue Economy' (Marine Economy based activities through optimum exploitation of marine
resources) in the Indian Ocean.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS)
UNCLOS is also known as Law of the Sea Convention Law of the Sea Treaty. This international agreement was finalized as a result of UNCLOS-III meetings and discussions held from 1973to 1982.
This convention is about the world's ocean uses for different nations. Determines rights and obligations. As of June 2016,167 countries, including the European Union, were members of the Convention.
The Convention issues guidelines on the management of marine natural resources, the environment and businesses.
The United Nations has no direct participation in the implementation of the Convention.Nevertheless, the documents related to 'ratification of convention'and 'accession' were presented to the United Nations (Secretary General's Office).goes.
