PRESENTATION OF HYDROGRAPHY CHARTS

8 February 2019

REMARKS

Minister Mentor,

Minister of Defence, Minister for Rodrigues the Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth,

Hon. Minister for Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping,

H.E. Premdut Koonjoo

Hon. Minister for Housing and Lands H.E. Purmanund Jhugroo,

Other colleagues, guests and members of the media,

We thank the Government of Mauritius for arranging this special event and inviting us to be part of the event.

May I begin by reflecting that our countries are maritime neighbours across the Indian Ocean.

India is proud to be a partner in the efforts of Mauritius to develop hydrographic charts to ensure safety of maritime navigation in its waters and its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Not many realise immediately, the very vast extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius. Updated Hydrography surveys are critical to enable the development of the full potential of the various aspects of the ocean economy.

Such hydrographic surveys have multiple uses.

They are essential for ensuring the safety of navigation and search and rescue operations. They help in designing Tsunami warning systems. They are also useful in planning the development of marine tourism and other coastal infrastructure, and laying of cables and pipelines etc. They help in developing marine environmental plans. And they also help in ensuring maritime defence and security preparedness.

The presence of senior dignitaries here provides a glimpse into the multiple stakeholders that are associated with the applications of hydrography.

In the past nearly 15 years, since this collaboration between Mauritius and India started, a total of 8 navigational charts and 10 electronic charts have been prepared to cover mainland Mauritius and its islands.

I would like to commend the Commanding Officer Captain Peyush Pawsey and the entire team of the survey vessel INS Sarvekshak, who have conducted these surveys of the Point Sud Ouest near Le Morne and Rodrigues island.

I also appreciate and commend the fifteen officers of the Government of Mauritius who were on board during the two surveys conducted.

I understand that the previously available navigation chart for Rodrigues dates back to 1876, nearly 150 years! Needless to say, the technology used for such surveys has vastly improved since then.

An updation of these charts was long overdue and required for the safety of navigation.

All these updated navigational charts become available for use by international shipping industry.

Excellencies,

Hydrography is an important aspect of the very extensive and wide ranging cooperation that exists as part of the unique bonds between Mauritius and India.

We look forward to further deepening this strong partnership.

Thank you.