Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Maritime security, encompassing the protection of sea lines of communication (SLOCs), safeguarding marine resources, and ensuring freedom of navigation, has become increasingly central to India’s foreign policy. Historically focused on land borders, India’s strategic outlook has undergone a significant shift, recognizing the ocean as a crucial domain for its economic prosperity and national security. The rise of China in the Indian Ocean, coupled with increasing instances of piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing, has further underscored the importance of a robust maritime strategy. Recent events like the Red Sea crisis (late 2023-2024) have highlighted the vulnerability of global trade routes and the need for proactive maritime security measures.
Evolving Significance of Maritime Security
India’s increasing focus on maritime security stems from several interconnected factors:
- Economic Dependence: Approximately 90% of India’s trade by volume is conducted via sea routes, making the security of SLOCs vital for its economic growth.
- Energy Security: India is heavily reliant on imported energy resources, primarily from the Gulf region, which are transported through the Indian Ocean.
- Geostrategic Location: India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) makes it a net security provider, responsible for maintaining stability and preventing disruptions.
- Rising Chinese Influence: China’s growing naval presence in the IOR, including its ‘String of Pearls’ strategy, is perceived as a challenge to India’s maritime dominance.
Threats and Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region
The IOR faces a multitude of security challenges:
- Piracy: While piracy has decreased in the Gulf of Aden, it remains a potential threat, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean.
- Terrorism: Maritime terrorism, including attacks on ships and ports, poses a significant risk. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks demonstrated the vulnerability of India’s coastline.
- Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing depletes marine resources and undermines the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Smuggling and Transnational Crime: The IOR is a transit route for illicit goods, including drugs, arms, and human trafficking.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification pose long-term threats to maritime security.
- Non-Traditional Threats: Cyberattacks targeting port infrastructure and maritime navigation systems are emerging concerns.
India’s Response: Policies and Initiatives
India has adopted a multi-pronged approach to enhance its maritime security:
- Sagarmala Project (2015): A port-led development initiative aimed at modernizing India’s ports, improving connectivity, and promoting industrialization along the coastline.
- National Maritime Security Coordination Committee (NMSCC): Established in 2018, the NMSCC coordinates maritime security efforts across various government agencies.
- Indian Navy’s Role: The Indian Navy has significantly expanded its presence in the IOR, conducting patrols, exercises, and providing assistance to regional navies.
- Bilateral Cooperation: India has strengthened maritime security cooperation with key partners, including the US, Japan, Australia, France, and Singapore. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) established in 2018, facilitates maritime domain awareness.
- Multilateral Engagements: India actively participates in multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Djibouti Code of Conduct.
- Coastal Security: Following the 26/11 attacks, India has strengthened its coastal security infrastructure, including radar systems, patrol boats, and intelligence gathering capabilities.
Impact on India’s Foreign Policy
Maritime security has profoundly impacted India’s foreign policy:
- Strengthened Partnerships: The focus on maritime security has led to closer ties with countries sharing similar interests in the IOR, particularly the US, Japan, and Australia, culminating in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
- Increased Diplomatic Engagement: India has actively engaged with regional countries to promote maritime security cooperation and address common challenges.
- Naval Diplomacy: The Indian Navy has played a crucial role in disaster relief operations, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building in the IOR, enhancing India’s soft power.
- Strategic Autonomy: While strengthening partnerships, India has maintained its strategic autonomy, pursuing an independent maritime policy based on its national interests.
| Partner Country | Areas of Cooperation |
|---|---|
| United States | Joint naval exercises (Malabar), information sharing, technology transfer, maritime domain awareness. |
| Japan | Joint naval exercises, infrastructure development, capacity building, maritime security dialogue. |
| Australia | Joint naval exercises, maritime domain awareness, regional security cooperation. |
| France | Joint naval patrols in the Indian Ocean, maritime security dialogue, defense cooperation. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, maritime security has evolved from a peripheral concern to a core element of India’s foreign policy. The increasing complexities in the Indian Ocean region, coupled with the rise of China, necessitate a proactive and comprehensive maritime strategy. India’s continued investment in naval capabilities, strengthening of partnerships, and promotion of regional cooperation are crucial for safeguarding its economic interests, ensuring its national security, and maintaining stability in the IOR. Looking ahead, India must prioritize technological advancements in maritime surveillance, enhance its coastal security infrastructure, and foster a collaborative approach to address emerging threats.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.