Photo credit credit…..Sri Lanka Nevy

In an increasingly interconnected world, the security of the seas has become a paramount concern for nations around the globe. “Blue Diplomacy” connected to Blue Economy , a relatively recent concept in international relations, and popped up in the Galle Dialogue, a well-established maritime security conference. The relationship between Blue Diplomacy and the Galle Dialogue, highlighted by the Vice Admiral represented Pakistan Navy.

Blue Diplomacy, often referred to as “ocean diplomacy,” is an emerging framework through Blue Economy that emphasizes the diplomatic aspects of maritime affairs. It acknowledges that the world’s oceans are a shared resource and encourages collaborative efforts among nations to promote peace, security, and sustainability in maritime spaces. The core principles of Blue Diplomacy include cooperation, conflict prevention,burden sharing and the responsible use of the world’s oceans.

The Galle Dialogue is an annual international maritime security conference hosted by the Sri Lankan Navy. It serves as a platform for high-level discussions on maritime security challenges and solutions. Delegates from various countries, including Naval and maritime experts, gather to exchange ideas, share best practices, and foster cooperation to enhance security in the Indian Ocean region.

Both Blue Diplomacy and the Galle Dialogue promote the idea of multilateral cooperation in addressing maritime security issues. Blue Diplomacy encourages nations to engage in diplomatic discussions to resolve disputes and conflicts in maritime regions.Blue Diplomacy prioritizes conflict prevention and resolution as fundamental aspects of maritime security. By promoting dialogue and negotiation, it seeks to prevent escalations that could lead to military conflicts. The Galle Dialogue, by its nature, provides a peaceful forum for nations to address their differences and work towards peaceful solutions.

A critical aspect of Blue Economy is the sustainable management of marine resources. The Galle Dialogue often includes discussions on environmental security and sustainable maritime practices, aligning with the goals of Blue Economy to protect and preserve the world’s oceans for future generations.Trust and confidence-building are essential in maritime diplomacy. The Galle Dialogue contributes to this by creating a space for open and honest discussions between nations, allowing them to build trust in one another. Blue Diplomacy, with its emphasis on cooperation, relies on these trust-building measures to foster peaceful maritime relations.

The Indian Ocean region is a key area of interest for both Blue Diplomacy and the Galle Dialogue. It is a strategically important maritime space with diverse security challenges, including piracy, maritime terrorism, and territorial disputes. Both concepts recognize the significance of cooperation in this region to ensure its security and stability.The relationship between Blue Diplomacy and the Galle Dialogue underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts in addressing the complex maritime security challenges of our time. Both concepts share common principles, such as multilateral cooperation, conflict prevention, burden sharing and sustainable resource management, making them natural partners in promoting security and stability in the world’s oceans. As maritime security continues to evolve, the synergy between Blue Diplomacy and the Galle Dialogue paves the way for a new paradigm in international relations focused on safeguarding our shared maritime heritage.

In the ever-evolving landscape of international relations, the role of the Navy has expanded to encompass not only defense but also economic diplomacy. This transformation is particularly evident in the Galle Dialogue, where three major Navies of the world – China, Pakistan, and India – convene to discuss shared interests and concerns. It is a remarkable convergence that is made possible by the unique positioning of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, often described as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” boasts a strategic location that has garnered immense attention from the world’s major Navies. This strategic significance stems from Sri Lanka’s geo-global factors, as it lies at the crossroads of major shipping routes and is integral to the security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. This exceptional positioning makes Sri Lanka a natural host for the Galle Dialogue, facilitating discussions on crucial maritime issues.One of the core principles of Blue Economic Diplomacy is the responsible utilization of marine resources. Sri Lanka’s geographical attributes grant it a pivotal role in discussions regarding fisheries and marine environment. The abundance of marine life and biodiversity in the Indian Ocean is a shared resource that must be managed sustainably. The Galle Dialogue provides an ideal platform for participating nations to collaborate on effective solutions for fisheries management, marine conservation, and the promotion of a healthy marine environment.

Furthermore, the Galle Dialogue is not limited to discussions alone. It serves as a conduit for cooperation and exchange, which can extend to the sharing of defense materials. This collaboration helps create a more stable and secure Indian Ocean, a vital element for the economic prosperity of all nations in the region. The shared interest in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean underscores the relevance of the Galle Dialogue.In recent times, the world has witnessed a significant diplomatic development in the realm of Naval cooperation. The major Navies of China, Pakistan, and India have come together at the same table in what is known as the “Galle Dialogue.” This coming together of Naval giants signifies a monumental step towards fostering collaboration and maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. However, amidst this notable development, it is Sri Lanka that stands out as a crucial player in facilitating this union. Nestled in the heart of this maritime expanse, Sri Lanka holds a magnetic attraction for the world’s major Navies. Its strategic placement at the crossroads of key international shipping routes is a testament to its importance. This, in turn, has led to Sri Lanka being recognized as a vital hub for Naval activities in the region.

While the Galle Dialogue serves its purpose, there is a growing consensus that a more substantial and fully pledged ‘Fusion center’ for Naval cooperation in Sri Lanka is essential. This center could serve as a hub for information sharing, joint exercises, and the development of standardized protocols for responding to maritime challenges. It would also ensure a continuous channel for communication and collaboration among the major Navies.

Beyond discussions of defense and security, there exists the potential to expand collaboration into other critical areas. Fisheries and marine environment are two domains where these nations can come together. Collaborative efforts to protect marine resources and promote sustainable fishing practices would not only benefit the environment but also contribute to regional stability.

The Galle Dialogue represents a significant step in the right direction, but the establishment of a more substantial Fusion center in Sri Lanka could further enhance the collaborative efforts, through “Blue Diplomacy” in the Indian Ocean.

Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka

Executive Director

INORA