Copenhagen, June 19: A delegation from India met with Denmark’s State Secretary and Maritime Security Envoy to discuss global security issues, particularly those related to maritime safety. This information was shared by the Indian Embassy in Denmark on Friday.
The embassy announced on ‘X’, “The first Maritime Security Dialogue between India and Denmark was held this week.”
According to the embassy, the Indian delegation, led by Subhashini Narayanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) D and ISA Division, included representatives from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). They met with Denmark’s State Secretary Lotte Machon, Maritime Security Envoy Nikolaj Ruge, and officials from the Danish Ministry of Defence, alongside Indian Ambassador Manish Prabhat.
Both sides discussed the global security landscape, especially issues concerning maritime domains, and explored possibilities for strengthening mutual cooperation.
Denmark’s Ambassador to India, Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, wrote on ‘X’ on Thursday, “Maritime security is an increasing concern for both India and Denmark. This is why the first Maritime Security Dialogue is being held in Copenhagen this week. An executive lunch with Danish defence companies operating in the maritime sector is also part of this initiative.”
During the third India-Nordic Summit held in May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then Acting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson issued a joint statement agreeing to enhance cooperation in maritime security.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders reiterated their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region in accordance with international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They discussed working together under bilateral dialogues, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and the vision of ‘Oceans’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
The Ministry stated, “The leaders also addressed challenges arising from Illegal Maritime Activities (IMA), including piracy, smuggling, illegal and unregulated fishing, marine pollution, and the safety of seafarers.”
The ministry further noted the welcoming of the initiation of maritime security dialogues with Norway and Denmark. The leaders emphasized the need for better information sharing and increased coordination among various agencies to ensure the safety of seafarers.
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