At the Seventh Indian Ocean Conference held in Perth, Australia, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud, emphasized the pivotal role of the Indian Ocean in Nepal’s developmental aspirations.
Minister Saud underscored that understanding the dynamics of the Hindu Kush Himalayan ecosystem and climate change hinges upon harnessing the potential of the Indian Ocean.
During his address, Minister Saud stressed the necessity of adopting integrated and holistic approaches to tackle the challenges facing the oceans and the Himalayas.
He highlighted the Indian Ocean’s significance as a crucial partner in Nepal’s foreign trade and emphasized its role as a conduit to access international markets.
The conference, jointly organized by the Government of Australia and the India Foundation, witnessed the participation of leaders, ministers, and representatives from various regions and countries.
Minister Saud urged attendees to perceive the Indian Ocean beyond its geographical boundaries, emphasizing its centrality to civilization, geopolitics, geo-strategy, and economic interests.
Moreover, Minister Saud acknowledged the Indian Ocean’s dual role as a source of traditional and non-traditional security threats.
He expressed concern over challenges such as terrorism, piracy, drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration, and impediments to navigation freedom, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to address these issues.
