Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday emphasized the need for leveraging advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to strengthen maritime security and ensure a safer coastline for the state.
Addressing the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG) Policy Meeting held in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said that the high-level meeting was being organised outside New Delhi for the first time, underscoring Odisha’s growing strategic significance in the country’s maritime security framework.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the deliberations would pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the Centre and the State in safeguarding maritime interests.
Highlighting Odisha’s strategic importance, Majhi noted that the state has a coastline stretching nearly 575 kilometres and has maintained trade and cultural links with Southeast Asian countries since ancient times.
“Odisha continues to occupy a significant position in the maritime sector. We are confident of receiving substantial support from the Central Government in view of the state’s strategic importance in maritime security,” he said.
The Chief Minister further informed that the state government, with support from the Centre, is developing a deep seaport in Ganjam district to strengthen maritime infrastructure. In addition, a major shipbuilding cluster is being established at Paradip.
Both projects are being developed with an investment exceeding Rs 50,000 crore and are expected to significantly boost Odisha’s maritime capabilities, industrial growth and employment opportunities.
Majhi also stressed the importance of adopting emerging technologies such as AI for surveillance, monitoring and threat detection to further enhance coastal security and maritime preparedness.
Senior officials from various maritime security agencies, defence establishments and central and state departments participated in the policy meeting.