India, France agree on road map for blue economy, ocean governance

In the face of China's aggressive policies and Belt and Road Initiative, which are pushing countries into debt, India's Indo-Pacific outreach received a boost with the joint launch of a roadmap with France on the blue economy and ocean governance, which would create sustainable infrastructure and uphold the rule of law across the region. During Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's current visit to Paris, the roadmap was released. On Sunday, Jaishankar met with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the two discussed a variety of topics, including the Indo-Pacific partnership, the Ukraine crisis, defence cooperation, and the Iranian nuclear deal. India and France intend to hold an annual bilateral dialogue on the blue economy and ocean governance based on the roadmap. According to the roadmap document, the dialogue will play a key role in the formulation, organisation, and follow-up of cooperation projects in the four pillars of the partnership: institutional, economic, infrastructures, and scientific and academic. The Niti Aayog in India and the ambassador for poles and maritime affairs in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs will serve as points of contact for coordinating the dialogue's organisation and ensuring the participation of relevant ministries. India and France value international maritime law and its observance in all seas and oceans. The decision was made to strengthen international maritime law and adapt to new challenges. According to the roadmap, the two countries will coordinate their positions in multilateral bodies and negotiations. The two sides will discuss the development and strengthening of marine protected areas around the world, particularly as part of the future global biodiversity framework negotiations. They will also improve their coordination in preparation for the UN Environment Assembly's fifth session in 2022, in order to support the start of negotiations on a global agreement on marine plastic waste and microplastic. According to the roadmap, each signatory will regularly include the other in conferences, workshops, and colloquia on the blue economy and ocean governance that they are likely to host. France will also assist India in the development of port infrastructure. According to the roadmap, this could include infrastructure improvements, fairway development, navigational aids, and river information systems. Image Source Also read: India may become third largest importer globally by 2050: UK