The Galle Dialogue 2013, Maritime Conference at Galle, Sri Lanka
from 23 Nov to 26 Nov 2013
attended by Vice Admiral AK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, NM (Retd)
 

I represented the USI, as an observer, at the 35 nation 'Galle Dialogue 2013' (Maritime Conference) held at Galle, Sri Lanka from 24 to 26 Nov 2013. As this was the first time that a representative of the USI of India was invited to attend, I would like to begin with a brief background. The first Galle Dialogue held in 2010 had less than a dozen nations participating, but this number grew steadily for the 2011 and 2012 conferences. The latest 2013 conference had serving and retired Navy, Coast Guard and Maritime specialists from 35 nations (ranging from Ghana to Iran, Israel, Maldives, India, Pakistan, ASEAN nations, Japan, South Korea, China, the USA, the UK, France, Russia etc.) In addition, numerous Ambassadors and Defence Attaches also attended. The theme was 'Emerging Maritime Trends in the Indian Ocean'. The hosts organised an 'ice breaker dinner' on 24 November and this was followed by the Maritime Conference on 25 and 26 November. The overall organisation of the event and quality of speakers was outstanding. Even though the organisers have now put all the details, including keynote address etc. on their website, I would like to mention that amongst the noteworthy speeches were those by the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary, the Advisor to the Sri Lankan President and the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. During a banquet on the evening of 24 November, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister delivered a dinner speech on the importance of the Indian Ocean. I earnestly hope that the USI would be suitably represented in the next and subsequent Galle Dialogues.

A copy of the ‘unofficial group photo’ taken by my liaison officer is attached.

Report Compiled by Vice Admiral AK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, NM (Retd), An Elected Member of USI Council and Member of CS3, Board of Management.