Narendra Modi to be first Indian PM to preside over UNSC open debate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually chair an open debate on maritime security at the United Nations Security Council on August 9.

"PM Narendra Modi will chair an open debate on 'Maintenance of international peace and security: Maritime security in virtual mode at UN Security Council on 9th August. This will be the first time an Indian Prime Minister will preside over Open Debate," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reiterate his vision of SAGAR or 'Security and Growth for all in the Region' that he presented in 2015. 

In a statement, the Prime Minister's office said that the UN Security Council has discussed and passed resolutions on different aspects of maritime security and maritime crime. 

However, this will be the first time maritime security will be discussed as a stand-alone agenda item in such a high-level open debate. 

It is important to consider maritime security in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council considering no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, the PMO statement said, adding that a comprehensive approach would protect and support legitimate maritime activities and counter threats in the maritime domain.

This is for the first time an Indian prime minister will preside over an open debate at the world body.

On August 1, India took over the rotating presidency for the month at the 15-nation UN Security Council.

On January 1, India began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. It is India’s seventh term.

Previously, it has been a member in 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, and 1991-92.

India has planned high-level engagement with the world community on key focus issues like maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism during the month of August.

• Narendra Modi
• UN Security Council
• open debate
• maritime security
• PM Modi
• UNSC