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GS Paper: GS3

  • What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

    The N-E region comprising eight states and connected to the Indian mainland by a small Silghuri Corridor (Chicken Neck – 23 km width) has been facing the problems of insurgency for over 5 decades.

    Major challenges to internal security and peace process in North-Eastern states

    Cross-Border Dynamics– Porous Indo-Myanmar borders enable arms, insurgent movement, and illegal trade.

    “Tyranny of distance” – Policy attention from New Delhi remains inadequate due to geographic remoteness and low political representation of the region.

    Ethnic divisions – Eg- deepening Meitei-Kuki-Zo divide post-2023 riots in Manipur

    Weak peace processes – Talks with 30+ insurgent groups in Manipur and Nagaland continue without breakthroughs

    Protracted insurgencies and splintering of groups reduce prospects for a single comprehensive settlement. Eg- NSCN splits (IM/NK/R).

    Poor governance and developmental deficit sustain grievance and provide recruitment ground.

    Drug trafficking, illegal timber/mineral extraction and extortion fund insurgents and fuel local conflict. Eg- proximity to Golden Traingle

    Demographic stress – Large-scale illegal Bangladesh-origin immigration create social tensions and political mistrust. Eg- in Assam

    High Violence– In 2024, NE India experienced 266 insurgency-related incidents, causing 258 deaths and displacing 60,000 people.

    External factors

    China – Territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh and support to insurgent groups

    Bangladesh – Anti-India shift post coup and growing Pakistan-China influence

    Myanmar – destabilised border post ‘Spring Revolution’

    Map of major peace accords

    2015 – Naga Framework Agreement for an “inclusive political solution” within the Indian Union (framework terms still being negotiated).

    2019 – Tripura NLFT (SD) Memorandum of Settlement – surrender of cadres and rehabilitation package to end insurgency.

    2020 – Bru-Reang Agreement (Tripura-Mizoram) – Repatriation and rehabilitation of Bru refugees with security and development assurances.

    2020 – Bodo Peace Accord (Phase-II) – Expansion of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) powers, and development funds.

    2021 – Karbi Anglong Agreement (Assam)

    2022 – Assam-Meghalaya Boundary Agreement – land demarcation to resolve long-standing boundary disputes.

    2022 – Adivasi (Assam) Peace Accord (2022) – Settlement package including rehabilitation and development measures.

    2023 – Dimasa accords – Ceasefire, surrender/rehab and local development commitments.

    2023 – ULFA Accord – bringing a major faction of ULFA into a political process in Assam

    2024 – NLFT and ATTF Agreements (Tripura) – Memoranda of Settlement leading to cadre surrender and integration

    Other supporting measures (2015-2024) –

    Extension of ceasefires with various Naga factions, multiple SoO (Suspension of Operations) agreements, and targeted MoUs with smaller groups

    AFSPA withdrawal from Tripura and MEghalaya

    Peace in the North-East requires a multipronged approach involving negotiated settlements backed by credible security, sustained development, rights protection and wide stakeholder inclusion

    Terrorism

  • Mineral resources are fundamental to the country economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.

    Mineral resources form the backbone of India’s industrial and economic growth, driving sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and defence. As Jawaharlal Nehru called them, minerals are the “basic raw materials of modern civilization.”

    Importance of Mineral Resources for the Economy

    Energy Security

    Uranium and thorium reserves critical for India’s nuclear power program.

    Industrial Development

    Iron ore and bauxite support steel and aluminium industries, pillars of infrastructure.

    Limestone feeds cement industry, vital for housing and construction.

    Manufacturing & Strategic Sectors

    Rare Earth Elements (REEs), lithium, cobalt are essential for electronics, EV batteries, semiconductors, defence equipment.

    India’s defence self-reliance depends on availability of titanium, tungsten, chromium.

    Employment & Regional Development – Mining sector provides 2.3 million direct jobs in backward regions like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand.

    Revenue & Fiscal Federalism – Royalty from minerals forms a major part of state revenues.

    Strategic & Geopolitical Value – Critical minerals like lithium and cobalt are central to energy transition and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    Mining as an Environmental Hazard

    Deforestation – Open-cast mining requires clearing of vast forests. Eg- Coal mining in Hasdeo (Chhattisgarh) leading to elephant habitat fragmentation

    Soil Erosion and Land Degradation – Removal of topsoil and overburden dumping degrade agricultural lands.

    Water Pollution – Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) contaminates rivers and groundwater with heavy metals. Eg- Sukinda Chromite Mines (Odisha).

    Air Pollution – Dust, particulate matter, and gases from blasting and transport cause respiratory diseases. Coal mining regions like Singrauli have high PM2.5 levels

    Noise and Vibrations – Blasting operations disturb wildlife and damage human settlements.

    Climate Change Contribution – Coal mining emits methane, a greenhouse gas with high warming potential.

    Loss of Ecosystem Services – Mining destroys wetlands, grazing lands, and forest resources, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and traditional livelihoods.

    Improper disposal of mine tailings releases radioactive and toxic materials, leading to long-term soil and water contamination (Eg- Uranium mining in Jaduguda, Jharkhand).

    Mining-induced displacement of tribal populations. Eg- Niyamgiri Hills bauxite project (Vedanta vs Dongria Kondh tribe).

    Remedial Measures Required

    Legislative & Regulatory – Enforce EPA 1986, MMDR Act 2015, and mandatory EIA with periodic audits.

    Sustainable Practices – Adopt eco-friendly mining technologies like GIS monitoring, remote sensing, and controlled blasting.

    Reclamation & Rehabilitation – Ensure progressive mine closure, land reclamation, backfilling, and afforestation of mined areas.

    Pollution Control – Introduce dust suppression, acid mine drainage treatment, and soil stabilization measures.

    Community-Centric Measures – Utilize District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for health, education, and livelihoods of affected people.

    Institutional Monitoring – Strengthen Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) oversight and use drones/AI for real-time compliance

    Global Best Practices – Replicate Australia’s mine rehabilitation bonds and Canada’s TSM framework for accountability.

    “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Thus, development must be in harmony with the environment.

  • How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?

    Energy independence by 2047 is central to India’s Viksit Bharat vision. Clean, indigenous and sustainable technologies are key for realisation of this vision.

    Energy independence through clean technology by 2047

    Expansion of renewable energy – Scale up solar, wind, hydro and offshore wind to meet 1000+ GW by 2047.

    Green hydrogen as a fuel of the future – Expand National Green Hydrogen Mission for use in steel, fertilisers, transport and power storage.

    Energy storage and grid modernisation

    Strengthen Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro storage.

    Create smart grids, microgrids and AI-based demand management.

    Electric mobility transition

    Electrify public transport, freight. Eg- PM e-Bus Sewa

    Promote EV manufacturing + battery ecosystem under PLI and PM-eDrive.

    Make in India and supply Chain resilience

    Strengthen domestic solar, battery and electrolyser manufacturing.

    Secure supply chains through National Critical Mineral Mission. Eg- lithium supply from Argentina

    Energy efficiency & circular economy

    Expand PAT scheme

    Promote circular economy in energy storage, e-waste and batteries.

    Role of Biotechnology

    Ethanol Blending under the National Bio-Energy Mission can reduce petrol imports and stubble burning.

    Biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) under SATAT scheme and Gobardhan Mission can ensure rural energy self-sufficiency.

    Algal biofuel technology – High yield per hectare and non-competitive with food crops.

    Waste-to-Energy using anaerobic digestion, enzymatic conversion and microbial fuel cells. (Swachh Bharat + Energy security)

    Bio-hydrogen and bio-electricity enables low-cost, decentralised green energy.

    Steps Taken

    BioE3 Policy – innovation-driven research & high-performance biomanufacturing.

    Bio-RIDE – To bridge academia–industry gap and ensure lab-to-market transition

    Emerging Frontiers in Biotechnology Programme for cutting-edge biotechnology research

    As PM Modi stated, “India’s energy independence will be the foundation of its economic independence.” Clean technology is core pillar of this vision

    Agriculture

    Cropping Pattern

  • Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.

    The agricultural supply chain refers to activities involved in moving agricultural produce from farm to consumers.

    Scope of Supply Chain Management of Agricultural Commodities

    Post-Harvest Management- Handling, cleaning, grading, drying to reduce losses.

    Storage & Warehousing – Scientific storage, packhouses, warehouses, silos.

    Cold Chain for Perishables – Pre-cooling, refrigerated transport, cold storages.

    Transportation & Logistics – Efficient transport, aggregation, multimodal connectivity. Eg- Kisan Rail.

    Organised Retail & Export Integration: Connecting farmers with supermarkets, processors, exporters, and e-commerce channels. Eg- e-NAM

    Value Addition & Processing – packaging, branding, food processing.

    Export & Quality Compliance – Eg- SPS standards, AGMARK, FSSAI certification

    Significance of Supply Chain Management

    Reduces Post-Harvest Losses: India loses nearly (FAO).

    Enhances Farmer Income due to reduced intermediaries. Eg- FPOs increase farmer income by 20-25% (SFAC).

    Price Stability: Better logistics reduce volatility and transaction costs.

    Boosts Agri-Exports due to better quality products & cold chain infrastructure. Eg- $53 billion in 2022-23.

    Promotes Crop Diversification: Encourages high-value crops like horticulture, dairy, spices, and fisheries.

    Strengthens Food & Nutritional Security: Efficient supply chains ensure timely availability and safe, hygienic food across regions.

    Supports Rural Employment & Agri-Processing: Creates jobs in storage, logistics, milling, packaging, and retail.

    Challenges to Agricultural Supply Chain Management

    High Post-Harvest Losses: 6-18% losses due to poor handling, storage gaps, and weak cold chain.

    Inadequate Infrastructure: Limited cold storages, packhouses, rural warehouses, and multimodal logistics.

    Fragmented Supply Chains: Small landholdings (0.74 Hectare) and inefficient APMCs

    Low Digital Adoption: Eg- only around 1500 APMCs integrated with APMCs

    Strengthening supply chain management is key to ‘Doubling Farmers Income’. This can be done through

    Expand modern storage

    Promote FPO-led aggregation

    Reform APMC laws

    Promote value addition and FPIs.

    Develop export-oriented supply chains with SPS labs and certification.

    Enhance multimodal logistics

  • Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities.

    India’s food processing sector is projected to grow from $307 billion (2023) to $700 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand, technological change, and strong policy support.

    Scope of the Food Processing Industry in India

    Large agricultural base

    Second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

    Wide product spectrum – Includes dairy, fruits & vegetables, meat, fisheries, beverages, ready-to-eat (RTE), and organic foods.

    Lifestyle Shift – 65% of Indians under 35, rising incomes, urbanization & busy lifestyles have boosted demand for ready-to-eat & processed foods.

    Rapid growth in Organised retail and “shopping mall culture”- better supply chain management. Eg- D-mart

    Export potential – India exports processed foods to 200+ countries

    Nearly 70% of food processing units operate in the unorganised MSME sector – generate rural employment and entrepreneurship.

    Challenges of the Food Processing Sector in India

    Low Level of Processing – Only ~10% of total agricultural produce is processed (vs 60-70% in developed countries).

    Post-harvest losses of 15-20% due to shortage of cold-storage, and transport infrastructure.

    Fragmented Supply Chain – 86% of farmers are small/marginal – limits aggregation

    High Logistics Cost of 13-14% of GDP (vs 8-9% in developed countries).

    Delay in project implementation – Eg- only 25 out of 42 approved Mega Food Parks operational

    Regulatory & Compliance Issues – Complex FSSAI norms and licensing delays discourage small processors.

    Low Exports – 16% of India’s agri-exports are processed products, compared to 25% in the US and 49% in China.

    Micro and small units struggle to access formal credit, collateral, and working capital.

    Skill gap – Only 3% of the food processing workforce is formally trained

    Quality & Safety Gaps – Inconsistent adherence to food safety standards, and limited testing infrastructure. Eg- Rejection of Indian exports by EU.

    Negligible R&D (<0.5% of sectoral GVA) – stall innovation in packaging and product design

    Measures taken by government

    The food processing sector has been recognized as a ‘sunrise sector‘ and a key priority industry under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    PM-Kisan SAMPADA (2016) – Central Sector Scheme to build a modern processing ecosystem from farm-gate to retail.

    Mega Food Parks Scheme – Provides land, utilities, common facilities, effluent plants, R&D labs.

    PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) – Provides 40% credit-linked subsidy, branding support, and training for 2 lakh micro units under the One District One Product (ODOP) approach.

    Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLISFPI) to boost domestic manufacturing.

    Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL) – Price stabilization fund for tomato, onion, potato, now expanded to all perishable crops

    100% FDI in food processing and 100% FDI under Government route for retail of food produced in India.

    e-NAM Integration – Linking mandis for better price discovery, quality grading, and seamless movement of produce.

    Food processing included under PSL to improve access to affordable credit.

    National Makhana Board to globally position Indian superfoods like makhana.

    Infrastructure Status (HLIS) – Food parks are included in Harmonized List of Infrastructure – enables concessional loans.

    Collaboration with Invest India for FDI facilitation, market access, regulatory assistance.

    As India moves forward under the Make in India vision, the food processing industry will continue to be a key driver of economic growth, ensuring food security, quality, and global competitiveness.

    Land Reforms

  • The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?

    Nuclear energy contributes approximately 3.1% to India’s total electricity generation, with an installed capacity of 8,880 MW.

    Evolution of Fusion Energy Programme in India

    The Early Phase (1950s-1980s): India was one of the first countries to announce a national fusion programme at the 1955 Geneva Conference.

    Indigenous Technology (1980s-2000s):

    Establishment of the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in 1986.

    Built its first indigenous tokamak ADITYA in 1989.

    Followed by the SST-1 (Steady-State Superconducting Tokamak)

    Global Integration (2005-Present): India joined ITER in 2005 as a full partner. Today, ITER-India manages India’s commitments, involving major industrial players like L&T and BHEL.

    India’s Contributions to ITER

    India is responsible for 9.1% of the construction cost (approx. $2.2 billion)

    The Cryostat: high-vacuum pressure chamber (30m*30m), designed to insulate the ultra-hot plasma from the outside world.

    In-Wall Shielding: India supplied 4,500 blocks of borated and ferritic steel to protect the reactor from neutron radiation.

    Cooling Water Systems: Responsible for the complex heat rejection systems required to manage the thermal load.

    Cryolines: Development of specialized pipelines to transport liquid helium at -269°C.

    Implications of Success for Future Global Energy

    Unlimited Fuel Supply: Fusion uses Deuterium (from seawater) and Tritium (from Lithium). One liter of seawater provides energy equivalent to 300 liters of gasoline.

    Unlike solar/wind, fusion provides a constant power supply without $CO_2$ emissions, vital for the Global Net Zero goals.

    Inherent Safety: There is no risk of a “meltdown.” If the plasma is disturbed, the reaction simply ceases instantly.

    Minimal Waste: It produces no long-lived high-level radioactive waste as plant components can be recycled within 100 years.

    High Energy Density: A fusion plant requires significantly less land than a solar farm to produce the same Terawatt-hours of energy.

    Geopolitical Stability: Energy “resource wars” could end, as the fuel (Deuterium/Lithium) is distributed globally, unlike oil or gas.

    Space Exploration: Compact fusion technology could revolutionize deep-space travel by providing high-thrust, long-duration propulsion.

    Technological Spin-offs: Research for ITER has already advanced superconducting magnets (used in MRIs) and high-power microwave technologies.

    Thus, fusion technology can help in transitioning from the Age of Combustion to the Age of Fusion.

  • Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.

    As per Bruce Hoffman, “Terrorism is the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear through violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political change.”

    Terrosim as a global scourge (Global Terrorism Index 2025)

    over 8,000 terrorism-related deaths globally (2024)

    Islamic State (IS) expanded its operations to 22 countries

    Terrorist attacks jumped by 63% in the West

    India witnessed Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2025

    Manifestations of Terrorism in India

    State-Sponsored Terrorism – Pakistan-backed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.

    Insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir – Radicalisation, infiltration, and hybrid terrorism

    Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) – Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in ‘Red Corridor’

    Ethno-Nationalist Militancy in the N-E – Insurgent groups like ULFA (Assam), NSCN (Nagaland).

    Urban & “Lone-Wolf” Terrorism – Eg- Recent Delhi Blast

    Narco-Terrorism along Golden Traingle and Golden Crescent

    Financing of Terrorism – Use of Hawala, Fake Currency, NGOs, and Cryptocurrency

    Digital and Cyber-Terrorism – Online recruitment, fundraising and encrypted communications.

    Counter-Measures Adopted by the State

    Legislative Measures

    UAPA, 1967 – empowers State to designate individuals as terrorists.

    NIA Act, 2008 – established National Investigation Agency with nationwide jurisdiction.

    PMLA, 2002 – to curb money laundering and terror financing.

    Institutional Mechanisms

    National Security Council Secretariat headed by the NSA for inter-agency coordination

    NATGRID and Multi-Agency Centre for real-time intelligence sharing and coordination

    Operational Measures

    Operation Sindoor, Surgical Strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019) as deterrence.

    Operation All-Out in J&K to neutralize militants.

    Border & Internal Security Measures

    Fencing and electronic surveillance along the Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders.

    Use of drones, radars, and thermal imaging to detect infiltration.

    Community Engagement

    De-radicalisation programmes in J&K.

    Heart and mind strategy – Eg- Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) of Indian Army

    Employment and Skill Development to mainstream youth. Eg- Udaan Scheme

    International Cooperation

    Active role in FATF to blacklist terror-financing states.

    UN sanctions listing of terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed.

    The zero tolerance against terrorism strategy needs 4-pronged approach

    Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).

    SMART Borders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)

    Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor

    Human-centric Counterinsurgency

  • What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?

    CCUS refers to a suite of technologies that capture CO₂ emissions from different sources, and utilise it in industrial processes or store it underground in geological formations.

    Potential Role of CCUS in Tackling Climate Change

    Reduction of Industrial Emissions – Essential for hard-to-abate sectors (cement, steel, refineries) where alternatives are limited.

    Support for Net-Zero Goals by complementing renewables and hydrogen.

    Negative Emissions – Combining bioenergy with CCUS can generate negative emissions by removing CO₂ already in the atmosphere.

    Energy Transition Support – Allows continued use of coal, oil, and gas during transition. Eg- Retrofitting coal power plants with CCUS.

    Utilization for Economic Value – Converts CO₂ into value-added products (synthetic fuels, green chemicals, carbonated beverages).

    Mitigation of Climate Risks – keeping global warming below 1.5°C-2°C (Paris Agreement).

    Promotes Carbon Circular Economy – Eg- CO₂ mineralisation to produce green cement.

    Geological Potential in India – Studies suggest India has 400-600 Gt CO₂ storage capacity in depleted oil & gas reservoirs and saline aquifers.

    Challenges in Artificial Carbon Sinks

    High Costs and Limited Affordability – Eg- Direct Air Capture (DAC) costs around $250-$600 per tonne of CO₂ removed (IEA, 2022), while planting trees costs less than $50/tonne.

    High Energy Use and Carbon Footprint Risk – A 2021 study in Nature Energy found that DAC powered by natural gas could re-emit up to 30% of captured CO₂.

    Storage Risks – Eg- claims of leaking in Weyburn project in Canada in 2011.

    Delays in Deployment and Lack of Scale – As of 2023, all DAC facilities worldwide together remove less than 0.01% of annual global CO₂ emissions (Global CCS Institute).

    Moral Hazard: Risk of Reducing Pressure to Cut Emissions was highlighted in the UNEP Emissions Gap Report (2022), warning against “over-optimism in carbon removal pathways.”

    North-South Divide – Rich countries and large corporations dominate carbon removal tech, leaving developing nations behind in access and decision-making.

    Way Forward

    Scale up CCS and DAC technologies with funding, incentives, and carbon pricing to meet net-zero targets. (IEA, 2021)

    Include engineered carbon removal targets in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). (IPCC AR6, UNFCCC COP26)

    Invest in R&D to lower DAC costs to below $100/tonne and support pilot-scale deployment.

    Combine artificial sinks with nature-based solutions like afforestation and soil carbon sequestration.

    For India, CCUS provides a pathway to decarbonization without compromising energy security.

    Disaster Management

    Disaster Management Policy

  • The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?

    LWE refers to violent insurgency driven by Maoist or Naxalite ideologies, with an objective of overthrowing the government and establishing a communist society.

    Determinants of Left-Wing Extremism in Eastern India

    Maoist ideology of armed class struggle

    Land Displacement due to Mining

    Poor implementation of FRA, 2006, and PESA.

    Historical Socio-Economic Deprivation

    Unemployment & Lack of Livelihood Options

    Governance Deficit

    Geographical challenges

    Impact on people

    Over 14,000 lives were lost to Naxal violence in the last 20 years

    Infrastructure Destruction– targeting road networks, railways, and telecom towers in the “Red Corridor”.

    Extortion and “Levy”

    Human Rights Violations – Eg- abduction and killing of local leaders

    Low-growth trap increases inequality and poverty. Eg- The HDI for Malkangiri district (Odisha) – a LWE stronghold – is only 0.37, compared to the state’s average of 0.579.

    Socio-economic impact – Eg- As per MHA report, 70% population of naxal affected areas lives under BPL.

    Recruitment of Minors and Vulnerable Youth – Eg- Reports of child soldiers in southern Bastar.

    Measures taken by government

    Security Measures

    Specialised Forces- Eg- Greyhounds in Andhra Pradesh and the Bastariya Battalion in Chhattisgarh

    Naxal’s Financial chocking

    Security Related Expenditure and Special Infrastructure Scheme for strengthening State Special Forces and Special Intelligence Branches

    Developmental measures

    Building Critical Infrastructure in LWE Areas – Eg- Road Requirement Plan (RRP-I) constructing 14000 km of roads

    Socio-economic development

    Financial Inclusion- over 1,00 bank branches have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015.

    Aspirational districts program

    ROSHNI Scheme for skill development and employment-linked training for youth

    Surrender and rehabilitation policy – attractive incentives and assured livelihood. Eg- stipend for professional training

    Panchayat Extension To Scheduled Areas Act (PESA) and Forest Rights Act 2006 for strengthening tribal self-governance

    Progress anchored in justice and inclusion is the best antidote to extremism.

  • Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

    Maritime security is the “silent guardian” of India’s economic prosperity. The safety of Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) is not just a military concern but a vital economic imperative.

    Importance of maritime security for India’s sea trade

    Economic Lifeline- Approximately 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value is conducted via the sea.

    Energy Security- India imports over 88% of its crude oil and 51% of its natural gas from chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca Strait.

    Global Hub Aspirations- Secure seas are essential for India to emerge as a global transshipment hub

    Protection of “Blue Economy”- to protect fisheries, offshore oil/gas (Mumbai High), and seabed minerals in India’s 2.3 million sq. km. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

    Strategic Connectivity- Initiatives like Sagarmala and IMEC rely on secure seas.

    Submarine Cable Safety- Almost 99% of India’s internet data travels through undersea fiber-optic cables.

    Regional Leadership under SAGAR Vision – Eg- India as a “First Responder”.

    Climate Resilience- Security agencies like the Indian Coast Guard play a critical role in responding to oil spills and natural disasters.

    The Indian ocean region is ‘New Hotbed’ of security threats – Fareed Zakaria

    Maritime Terrorism- Eg- the 26/11 Mumbai attacks

    Geopolitical Competition from China challenging India’s role as a “Net Security Provider.”

    “dual-use” ports like Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan)

    Chinese spy ships in Indian Ocean (Tianwen I)

    Piracy and Armed Robbery-

    Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea

    Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea

    Transnational Organized Crime- The “Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle” routes converge in the IOR. (MHA)

    Human Trafficking- Illegal migration routes across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

    Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing- Eg- Large foreign deep-sea trawlers encroaching on India’s.

    Offshore Asset Vulnerability- Eg- Mumbai High oil rigs and the Great Nicobar Project from state and non-state sabotage.

    Nuclearization of IOR due to AUKUS

    IOR emerging as theater of great-power rivalry – Eg- US-UK base in Diego Garcia

    Way Forward

    Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)- Strengthening the NC3I Network and Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR)

    Fishermen as “Eyes & Ears”- Speeding up the issuance of Biometric ID cards and distress alert transmitters.

    Apex committee to coordinate all maritime operations (Kargil Review Committee)

    Technological Modernization

    Deploying AI-powered systems for 24/7 surveillance.

    Utilizing ISRO’s RISAT and UAVs like the Heron for all-weather, day-and-night imaging.

    Accelerate the induction of P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Sea Guardian drones.

    Global collaboration under UNCLOS to ensure Rules based Order in IOR

    Strengthening Marine Police with specialized training, equipments and proper legal powers.

    Regular joint exercises like Sagar Kavach and Sea Vigil to build synergy among various agencies

    Strengthening regional cooperation through Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

    Environmental Resilience- Integrating climate risk management into maritime strategy

    Maritime security is the backbone of India’s strategic autonomy, leadership (“Net security provider”) and Navy’s ambition of Blue Water Navy

    Science and Technology

    IT, Defence and Space