Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, with a 7,516.6 km coastline, extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and crucial sea lanes of communication (SLOCs), faces a complex web of maritime security challenges. These challenges have intensified due to geopolitical competition, rising non-traditional threats like piracy and climate change, and internal vulnerabilities. Recognizing the importance of maritime security for economic prosperity and national sovereignty, India has implemented a multi-layered approach encompassing organizational restructuring, technological advancements, and procedural reforms. The recent focus on the Indo-Pacific region further underscores the criticality of a robust maritime security framework.
Maritime Security Challenges in India
India’s maritime security is threatened by a multitude of factors, broadly categorized as follows:
- Geopolitical Challenges: Increasing presence of extra-regional forces (like China) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), competition for influence, and potential for maritime disputes. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and associated port development raise strategic concerns.
- Traditional Threats: Naval conflicts, potential for blockades, and threats to shipping lanes. While less frequent, these remain a concern.
- Non-Traditional Threats:
- Piracy & Armed Robbery: Incidents in the Gulf of Aden and the Malacca Strait continue to pose a threat to Indian vessels.
- Terrorism: The 2008 Mumbai attacks highlighted the vulnerability of India’s coastline to sea-borne terrorism.
- Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Depletes marine resources and can be linked to other illicit activities.
- Smuggling of Arms, Narcotics & Human Trafficking: The coastline is exploited for illegal trade and movement of people.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification pose long-term threats to coastal infrastructure and maritime security.
- Internal Vulnerabilities: Inadequate coastal surveillance, insufficient coordination between various agencies, and gaps in legal frameworks.
Organisational Initiatives
India has undertaken significant organizational reforms to enhance maritime security:
- National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC): Appointed in 2016, the NMSC (currently under the NSA) coordinates maritime security matters between various ministries and agencies.
- National Committee on Security (NCS): Provides policy guidance and direction on maritime security issues.
- Joint Operations Centres (JOCs): Established along the coastline to enhance inter-agency coordination and information sharing.
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG): Strengthened its capabilities through increased fleet size, advanced vessels, and enhanced surveillance capabilities. The ICG is the primary agency responsible for coastal security.
- Sagarmala Project (2015): A port-led development initiative aimed at modernizing ports, improving connectivity, and promoting industrial development along the coastline, indirectly contributing to maritime security.
Technical Initiatives
Technological advancements are crucial for effective maritime domain awareness (MDA):
- Coastal Radar Chain (CRC): A network of static sensors deployed along the coastline to detect and track vessels.
- Automatic Identification System (AIS): Mandatory for vessels to transmit their identity and location, aiding in surveillance.
- National Automatic Identification System (NAIS): Integrated AIS data from various sources to provide a comprehensive picture of maritime traffic.
- Drone Surveillance: Increasingly used for coastal surveillance and monitoring.
- Data Fusion Centres: Integrate data from various sources (radar, AIS, satellite imagery) to provide a comprehensive MDA.
- Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC): Established by the Indian Navy to collate and analyze information related to maritime security.
Procedural Initiatives
Procedural reforms aim to streamline operations and enhance response capabilities:
- National Maritime Policy (2007): Provides a framework for integrated maritime governance.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developed for various maritime security scenarios, including piracy, terrorism, and IUU fishing.
- Joint Exercises: Regular exercises (like Milan, involving friendly navies) enhance interoperability and coordination.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for coastal police and other stakeholders to improve their skills and knowledge.
- Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981: Defines India’s maritime zones and provides a legal framework for maritime activities.
Conclusion
India’s maritime security landscape is dynamic and complex, demanding a holistic and adaptive approach. While significant strides have been made in organizational restructuring, technological upgrades, and procedural reforms, continued investment in these areas is crucial. Strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing MDA capabilities, and addressing internal vulnerabilities remain key priorities. Furthermore, proactive engagement with regional and extra-regional partners is essential to ensure a secure and stable maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
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.