Experts discuss regional perspectives on ocean security

ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy – Sea Power Centre (RMN – SPC), the Pakistan Embassy in France, the Centre for International Studies (CeSI) Italy, and the Institute of Regional Studies organised an international hybrid seminar held on March 4th at NIMA head office in Islamabad.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was the chief guest, while Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Asim Iftikhar Ahmed joined as the guest of honour via Zoom.

The seminar aimed to foster an understanding of regional and international perspectives regarding the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the challenges they face in the 21st century. Distinguished scholars from around the globe shared their insights on this crucial subject.

In his opening remarks, the NIMA president underscored the significance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, emphasizing their role in maritime security and the maintenance of order at sea.

Ambassador Masood Khalid presented China’s viewpoint on the emerging challenges in the Indian-Pacific region, while Rear Admiral (retd) Jean Mathieu Rey, a senior research fellow at FMES, France, provided the European perspective.

Tiziano Marino, head of the Asia Pacific Analysis Unit at CeSI, Italy, shared Italy’s insights, and Rear Admiral Dato Pahlawan Abd Halim bin Hj Shaari from RMN-SPC offered the perspective of ASEAN countries. Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah elaborated on Pakistan’s strategic considerations, and the seminar was succinctly summarized by Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, the President of IRS.

In his concluding address, Senator Mushahid Hussain highlighted India’s disruptive behaviour in the Indian Ocean, condemning actions such as the impounding of Pakistani-bound commercial cargo as state-sponsored piracy.

The event saw a significant turnout, with attendees including academia, professionals, diplomatic corps, representatives of think tanks, subject matter specialists, government officials, faculty members, defense officers, and key maritime stakeholders.