- Human nature is also evolving but for better or worse we do not know; technology is evolving to developing weapon and destroy nature and therefore it is time to review the conventions as they are now dated: Admiral Arun Prakash (retd.) Former, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy
- RRU & ICRC holds two-day workshop on 21ST Century Naval Warfare and International Humanitarian Law
- The main objective of the programme was to recognize the need to generate awareness internationally about international humanitarian initiatives, coastal and maritime security laws, promoting the constant efforts of the Government.
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, DEC 9
Technology in naval warfare is a challenge for coastal and maritime security, opined experts. They were speaking at a two-day workshop on “21ST Century Naval Warfare and International Humanitarian Law: Implications for Coastal and Maritime Security.”
The two-day workshop was organized by the School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies (SICMSS), Rashtirya Raksha University (RRU) on Wednesday and Thursday in collaboration with the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC). The main objective of the programme was to recognize the need to generate awareness internationally about international humanitarian initiatives, coastal and maritime security laws, promoting the constant efforts of the Government.
The guest of honour for the event was Admiral Arun Prakash (retd.) Former, Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy along with Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel (Vice Chancellor, RRU), Dr. Vijay Sakhuja (Director, SICMSS), Kedir Awol Omar, Head of Regional Delegation, ICRC, New Delhi, India. The Workshop witnessed participation (90+ individuals) from national and international diplomats, armed personnel (Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force) academician, research scholar and students.
In his special remarks at the 21st Century Naval Warfare and IHL workshop, the Head of Regional Delegation, @ICRC_nd, @kediromarICRC, said, "The ICRC is developing workshops and courses that reflect the concerns and growing needs of maritime states across the region." pic.twitter.com/DczNhghB1t
— ICRC New Delhi (@ICRC_nd) December 7, 2022
Key note speaker, Admiral Arun Prakash (retd.) Former, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy started with the mention of the book by Jean Henry Dunant book “A Memory of Solferino” which became a great contribution towards Geneva Convention. According to him, human nature is also evolving but for better or worse we do not know; technology is evolving to developing weapon and destroy nature and therefore it is time to review the conventions as they are now dated.
He also probed about “Just war theory” and the purpose of doctrine to declare war jus ad bellum and jus in bello. He further supported his thoughts with the reference of Bhagwat Geeta, suffering and loss due to war, teachings on morals which were taught by the “great war, Mahabharata.” He also discussed proportionality in the use of force advent of military aviation in earlier 20th century where in World War II Air attacks were used on civilians to destroy morale, horrific use of nuclear weapons in Japan was one of the worst incidents which took place. He also discussed how Vasco De Gama violated IHL by burning a pilgrim ship. 1956, Egypt invasion. 1984 war of Israel are examples of various international incidents infringing the international humanitarian laws. WWII development of submarine and mine warfare was very fast. Missiles development, nuclear weapon on sea. Tactical nuclear weapon where ships or boats can carry it have no regulation and can be deliberately or accidently triggered which cause great moral and ethical issues. With this speed of technology, robots will start taking decisions for us which maybe unethical.
He also discussed about unmanned vehicle by AI future raises grave ethical and moral concerns where robots may become more intelligent than humans and take unethical decisions on their own. Further explaining the role of non-state actors, taking example of 26/11 where use of deadly weapons was seen but there were no proper laws existing on that matter at the time.
His views on Declaration of London 1949, Hague and LC 1946 and other such international instruments are that, they are outdated and creates grey areas, so now is the time when we pinpoint these areas and evolve this law according to the need of this time.
He quickly encountered most recent maritime incidents of 1982 UK & Argentina war. 1980 Iran Iraq war which he mentioned as one of the bloodiest wars and is also known as tanker war where approx. 400-500 civilians were killed and it stretched for 10yrs. He then talked about Gaza Freedom where IHL and Geopolitics were the main issues. Here 6 yachts were delivering food were attacked by Israel special forces and killed 9 Turkish men on board UN looked into it commented. Lastly, he talked about Russia and Ukraine war where he noted that the war is not only affecting these 2 countries but putting a global effect as creating shortage of food and energy.
(Prof.) Dr. Bimal N. Patel (Vice Chancellor, RRU) started his speech with his memory of 2011 at GNLU when he started to teach Maritime law and Laws of Seas, where everyone was trying to fight piracy, India took sui generis response and started to work upon Coastal & Maritime Security as Defence Minister. Rajnath Singh perceived that line between Internal & External Security is blurring. But unlike GNLU, in RRU we have specific stream of Coastal and Maritime Security because we are facing issues of blurring lines of Coastal and maritime law as well. As a result, IHL and national laws are being blurred. He further stated that we are writing Research Papers and sending to the stakeholders for which our organization has been appreciated. With help of ICRC we have achieved better research, scholarships, and representation. He also talked about that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is only viewed through American or Geneva lenses, while emphasizing that Asia is still to map IHL. He strongly stated his views on why we need regional and national reports for further development of International law. As university of national security every event happens here is a way to put up for tactical aspects for police, and other defensive bodies. India will witness the clash of interest from outside as well as from inside. This event is to understand the domestic IHL laws and how India perceives the importance of IHL which acting on land, ocean or anywhere beyond boundaries. We must recognize the International Humanitarian Law IHL as it can also lead to issues, such as piracy and terrorism. So before applying any convention we should see that if it is in consonance with domestic situations. he further emphasized that San Remo manual is an International Customary Law but because no Indian scholar helped in framing it, we must use it as “pinch of salt” while having our own state practice. He referred to Tallin manual with regards to cyber law linking it with usage. Lastly, he concluded by stating that there exists a stark contrast of IHL and what is happening around the globe.
Dr. Vijay Sakhuja (Director, SICMSS) started with an Introduction about the naval warfare and technological advancement for future of sea. He further talked about shifting network centric warfare and Industrial Revolution 4.0 and how research and practical methods would be useful. He then explained how this workshop would be divided into five sessions.
Kedir Awol Omar Head of Regional Delegation, ICRC, New Delhi, India talked about Freedom of navigation for global economy and the risks of Climate change. According to him ICRC concern is to maintain humanity in between conflicts, where second Geneva Convention talks about shipwrecks and how all this involves illegal immigrants and marine pollution. ICRC acknowledges operations at sea and the need for the application of IHL as at times it is not covered by Geneva Convention. He also emphasized that technology in naval warfare is a challenge. India has provided a dynamic leadership while dealing with these situations.
