Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (Policy) Meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan here.
Describing the ocean as more than just a geographical boundary, CM Majhi said it serves as a vital gateway for opportunities, prosperity, and international cooperation.
“The 21st century is the Indo-Pacific century. India is rapidly emerging as a major maritime power in the world,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister highlighted that hosting this prestigious national-level meeting in Odisha for the first time outside New Delhi reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong commitment to Cooperative Federalism.
Majhi emphasised that India’s seas, ports, fisheries resources, and the Blue Economy are invaluable national assets. Their security is essential not only for national defence but also for economic growth and the livelihood of millions of coastal residents.
He noted that modern maritime security extends far beyond traditional law and order. It now encompasses protection of critical infrastructure, cyber security, disaster management, environmental protection, and raising awareness about maritime domain.
Referring to Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, the Chief Minister said the state has a 575-km-long coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Ancient Kalinga’s brave sailors had established strong trade and cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries, a legacy still celebrated through the Bali Yatra festival.
He stated: “Our forefathers revered the sea as Mahodadhi, not merely as a vast expanse of water, but as an integral part of Odisha’s identity, culture and civilization. For thousands of years, this sacred ocean has nurtured our coastal communities, inspired our traditions, and served as the gateway through which the valiant Sadhabas of ancient Kalinga carried Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, enterprise and maritime prowess to the distant shores of Southeast Asia. The legacy of those historic voyages continues to resonate through Bali Jatra, a cherished celebration of Odisha’s enduring bond with the sea. In honour of this timeless relationship between the Odia people and the Mahodadhi, I had the privilege of inaugurating the 14th Multi Agency Maritime Security Group (Policy) Meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan today.”
“The hosting of this prestigious national meeting in Odisha for the first time outside New Delhi reflects the spirit of Cooperative Federalism under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. As India strengthens its position as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific, maritime security today encompasses far more than safeguarding our shores. It includes the protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability and the security of maritime trade routes. Odisha remains fully committed to supporting national initiatives such as SAGAR, the Act East Policy and BIMSTEC. By embracing emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, unmanned systems, NABHMITRA transponders and the Coastal Vibrant Village Programme, we are working towards a stronger Blue Economy while protecting the livelihoods, aspirations and maritime heritage of millions living along our coast”, he maintained.
He informed that to strengthen Odisha’s strategic maritime position, the state government is working on a deep-sea port in Ganjam and a ship-building cluster near Paradip.
CM Majhi reiterated Odisha’s full support for the Government of India’s key initiatives including SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Act East Policy, BIMSTEC, and Coastal Security Scheme Phase-3.
He stressed the need to adopt modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, and advanced monitoring networks for maritime security. He also described the installation of NABHMITRA transponders on fishing boats and the Coastal Vibrant Village Programme as important steps towards strengthening coastal security.
The Chief Minister highly appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Odisha Police, and all other agencies involved in securing the maritime boundaries. National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC), Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.), Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, DGP YB Khurania, senior officials from coastal states, central and state governments, and media personnel attended the meeting.
DGP Khurania delivered the welcome address at the event.
