The Initiative of Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW) by Pakistan Navy aims to raise awareness about maritime security, blue economy, and the developing geopolitics in the Indian Ocean. MARSEW-6 is scheduled for December 2023 and will involve academic activities and field trips to key naval commands and coastal facilities. Pakistan Navy emphasizes the connection between national security and maritime security due to its long coastline and reliance on sea-based trade. The power shift to the Asia-Pacific region has led to competition in the Indian Ocean, particularly between the US-China and India-China. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant project that has boosted Pakistan's blue growth and shifted commercial activities to the Gwadar-Kashgar route. Pakistan has untapped potential in its blue economy, including offshore energy, shipping, fisheries, ship breaking, and shipbuilding. Exploiting this potential is crucial for Pakistan's prosperity and national security.
India, on the other hand, faces security threats from Pakistan and the Sino-Pak axis, which require a strategic approach. India emphasizes peaceful resolutions and provides humanitarian aid in conflict zones like Gaza. Amidst these conflicts, the continuous bombing by Israel on Gaza is condemned, with the region being described as a hell due to the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians. Israel is accused of violating international laws, and the Israeli government is criticized for its refusal to halt the bloody action despite calls from the United Nations and other international human rights organizations. The United States is seen as the only country capable of using its diplomatic influence to stop the war.
Global trends indicate a shift from open warfare to covert offensives, leading to a new Cold War between the US-led West and China. China's pursuit of military, economic, and political expansion through initiatives like the Belt & Road Initiative, as well as its anti-West stance in conflicts such as Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas, further complicate the geopolitical landscape.
In this context, the role of maritime security becomes crucial. The Pakistan Navy (PN) plays an important role in safeguarding the country's economic and maritime frontiers. The PN not only provides maritime security to Pakistan but also cooperates with other naval forces in the region to address maritime threats. The Sea Guardian Maritime Exercise, in particular, strengthens cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of maritime security, enhancing the capabilities of the PN in protecting the Gwadar Port. [f5db72fe]