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