In a stirring address at the formal opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the multi-nation Exercise MILAN in Visakhapatnam on February 21, 2024, Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh urged the international community to unite in the pursuit of peace within a democratic and rules-based world order.
Joined by a distinguished gathering including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Ministers, Ambassadors, Chiefs of Navies, and representatives of Maritime Forces from over 50 friendly countries, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in fostering cooperation and camaraderie among maritime nations.
Speaking on the concept of peace, the Raksha Mantri emphasized the necessity of moving beyond mere absence of conflict, distinguishing between “negative peace” and “positive peace”. He described “negative peace” as a fragile state, often maintained through dominance or hegemony, while “positive peace” represents a shared global endeavor characterized by security, justice, and cooperation.
“The positive peace is the shared peace of one and all, with the cooperation of one and all. There is no Indian peace or Australian peace or Japanese peace, rather it is the shared global peace,” stated Rajnath Singh, echoing the sentiments of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Highlighting the evolving role of Armed Forces in preserving peace and security, the Raksha Mantri underscored the significance of international military exercises in fostering friendship, understanding, and military interoperability within the framework of a democratic world order. MILAN 2024, he noted, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among maritime nations.
While advocating for peace and cooperation, Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to countering threats to collective well-being, including piracy and trafficking. He reiterated India’s resolve to be the First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider Indo-Pacific.
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted MILAN’s significance in promoting security and growth for all in the region, encapsulating the spirit of cohesion, camaraderie, and collaboration. From its inception with five IOR navies in 1995 to its current participation of 50 navies across the Indo-Pacific, MILAN reflects the growing importance of collective endeavors in the maritime domain.
The opening ceremony also witnessed the launch of the NISHAR communication terminal, aimed at enhancing interoperability among friendly partner navies. Additionally, MILAN Village, showcasing the culture, tradition, and cuisine of participating nations, provided a platform for cultural exchange and celebration of diversity.
Furthermore, the Maritime Technical Exposition MTEX-24, inaugurated by Rajnath Singh, highlighted India’s strides towards self-reliance in defense technology. Featuring presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits by major players in the Indian defense sector, MTEX-24 serves as a catalyst for forging partnerships and accelerating technological advancements crucial for maritime defense. MILAN 2024, the largest and most complex edition to date, underscores the commitment of maritime nations to collaborative efforts in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region. With its motto “Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration”, MILAN epitomizes the shared vision of a secure and interconnected maritime domain, aligned with the principles of SAGAR – Security & Growth for All in the Region.
