Permanent Mission of India to the UN

New York

32nd Meeting of State Parties to the UNCLOS

[16 June 2022]

Statement

My Delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his reports A/76/311, A/76/311/Add.1,A/77/68 highlighting key activities and developments relating to Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. 

2.     The Secretary General's Report this year on the theme "OCEAN OBSERVING", provided useful inputs for the twenty-second meeting of the United Nations Informal Consultative Process on the Law of the Sea, held recently. The various subjects there under, though, considered from the perspective of review of the process, are of significant importance. 

3.     We appreciate the initiatives taken towards recognizing the importance of ocean observations in underpinning marine science and contributing to informed decision-making for sustainable development. Ocean data and information are crucial for understanding ocean processes and ecosystem functioning besides making informed decisions about human activities in the light of the present and estimated future state of the ocean.

4.  Our Ministry of Earth Sciences leads the national ocean observation programs along the Indian coast. Several of India's ocean observing networks form an integral part of the Global Ocean Observing Systems (GOOS) program of the Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

5.     Our oceans are facing huge challenges in the form of deteriorating marine environment, biodiversity loss, climate change, illegal fishing practices, and those relating to maritime safety and security including the acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea. We must remember that realizing the full potential of oceans and seas depends on carrying out ocean-based activities in a sustainable manner, in accordance with internationally agreed principles, particularly the principles contained in the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea-the UNCLOS.

6.     India attaches great significance to the effective functioning of the institutions established under the UNCLOS and, therefore, closely follows the work of all subsidiary institutions under the Convention, namely the International Sea-bed Authority, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

7.    We congratulate the Chair of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for the efforts by the Commission under his leadership in undertaking the considerations of submissions made by the concerned States. We also appreciate the efforts put in by the Secretariat in ensuring the progress of work by the Commission despite constraints posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hopeful that the Commission will make up for the lost time in its future sessions.

8.     We closely follow the proceedings relating to oceans before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea and the International Court of Justice, as well as arbitral tribunals in the context of Part XV of UNCLOS. These institutions play vital roles in the interpretation and application of the Convention and the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the Convention, so as to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. We support all efforts towards ensuring their efficient and effective functioning and note with satisfaction the progress made by these institutions in their respective areas.

9.     We note with appreciation the capacity-building activities undertaken by ITLOS in the form of the Internship program, Capacity building and training program on issues related to the law of the sea and maritime law and training courses on negotiation and delimitation, Regional workshops on dispute settlement as well as the proposed Workshop for legal advisers on international dispute settlement in matters pertaining to the law of the sea.

10.     The management and governance of high seas areas present a formidable challenge as the development of an effective regime for the protection of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction is seen as circumscribing some of the traditional high seas freedom.

11.     In this context, we appreciate the progress made during discussions held in the four sessions of the Inter-governmental Conference on an internationally legally binding instrument, convened pursuant to resolution 72/249, which addressed the topics identified in the package agreed upon in 2011. We are looking forward to a more fruitful discussion in the forthcoming session of the conference scheduled in August 2022.

MadamPresident

12.     Deep seabed research is still largely the domain of select developed countries. It is imperative that there be an increased flow of scientific data and information besides sharing of knowledge with developing countries so as to improve their understanding of oceans and deep seas, particularly the extent and vulnerability of deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystems. India believes that greater marine awareness and sharing of scientific knowledge, especially with SIDS and LDCs would help in developing sustainable ocean-based economies, besides laying the foundation for equitable participation by all states.

13.     Indian scientists today collaborate in research stations on the Arctic Ocean studying its links with climate in our own region. Indian hydrographers partner in capacity-building efforts with our maritime neighbors. Indian institutions work closely with regional partners in improving early warning systems for tsunamis and cyclones. Indian naval ships are deployed in delivering humanitarian assistance and emergency evacuation as also for patrolling sea lanes against pirates.

14. We are actively involved with the International Seabed Authority in formulating the PMN Exploitation Code for commercial mining, so that the effects of deep-sea mining do not leave any irreversible environmental impact on the oceans, and that the actions are sustainable.

15.     India is working towards becoming one of the significant contributors to the “Blue Growth” as a part of the long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors. India has very recently articulated its own comprehensive Blue Economy policy framework, which aims to cover the coastal economy, tourism, marine fishery, technology, skill development, shipping, deep-sea mining, and capacity building in a holistic manner.

16.     Maritime trade, the backbone of the global economy, is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact has been enormous on vulnerable ocean-based economies particularly small island developing States and least developed countries. At the same time, the pandemic has benefitted certain marine ecosystems and species from reduced economic activity.

17.     We are relieved to note that some research activities have continued despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic and the ongoing efforts to assess its impact on ocean science investments and on the capacity to mitigate its effects are continuing.

18.     We are eagerly looking forward to a fruitful engagement in the upcoming United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 concerning conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, scheduled to be held in June-July 2022.

19.     Protection and preservation of the marine environment and conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity have been our top-most priorities. We note with appreciation the efforts made towards developing and refining indicators of the monitoring framework with respect to marine and coastal biodiversity issues. In this regard, we note with concern imminent catastrophic environmental damage posed by the floatingstorage and offloading oil vessel “Safer” of the coast of Yemen, mentioned in SG’s report. 

20.     We appreciate the contributions of the UN through its integrated approaches such as the UN-Oceans and UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. India has a traditional and abiding interest in maritime and ocean affairs. We takes a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the oceans affairs and assure our full cooperation in efforts toward ensuring the proper management and sustainable use of the oceans as a responsible partner of the international community.

 I thank you Madam President.