MARITIME SECURITY

Published on 04 Feb 2025

Different facets of Maritime security

There exists no universal definition of maritime security and it holistically covers all the issues in the maritime front of a nation. Securing the maritime domain is critical for ensuring the nation's security and to protect the economic interest of the country. Maritime security is multidimensional with different facets each having its relevance.

• Safeguarding the regional sea: Ensuring peace along the regional sea is critical for a nation's security.

• Safeguarding territorial water: The territorial waters must be secured to prevent infiltration and keep the territory safe from terrorist attacks.

• Safeguarding ports: The ports must be under good surveillance to prevent the smuggling of weapons and drugs into the nation. 

• Safeguarding energy installations: Protecting these critical infrastructure play a vital role in ensuring a nation’s energy security

• Safeguarding marine environment: Security also encompasses protecting the environment and marine biodiversity from harmful anthropogenic interventions.

Significance of Maritime Security

The present world has witnessed nations giving utmost priority to national security and with growing security concerns over the maritime front, the significance of maritime security has also been increasing. The following factors highlight the relevance of maritime security

• India's geo-strategic location: India has a long maritime coastline spanning 7516 km and its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific demands the nation to strengthen maritime security.

• Security imperative: Protecting territorial waters and securing maritime borders are essential to prevent unauthorized intrusions and safeguard national interests.

• Example: The 2008 Mumbai attacks saw terrorists infiltrate Mumbai via the sea.

• Changing dynamics of international politics: The relevance of the maritime domain has increased in the present world which demands nations to give focus to maritime security. 

• Example: Formation of QUAD for maintaining a free open inclusive Indo-Pacific.

• Geo-economics of the Indian Ocean: Securing sea lanes is vital for the uninterrupted flow of goods and energy resources which ensures economic growth. The potential for deep sea explorations also enhances the economic potential of the region.

• Example: Operation Sankalp is an initiative by the Indian Navy to ensure the safety and security of the Indian vessels.

• Prevention of smuggling: Effective maritime security measures help prevent smuggling of illegal goods, drugs and weapons into the Indian territory.

• Environmental Protection: Safeguarding the marine environment is essential for preserving biodiversity, supporting coastal livelihoods, and mitigating the impact of pollution and climate change.

• Example: During the 2017 Ennore oil spill incident, maritime security efforts were crucial for mitigating its environmental impact.

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Maritime security capabilities are crucial during humanitarian crises and natural disasters. 

• Example: Operation Rahat which involved the evacuation of Indian citizens during the Yemeni civil war.

• Stability and Diplomacy: Maritime security fosters cooperation and diplomacy between nations, as they often need to work together to address shared challenges and ensure regional stability.

• Example: The Malabar exercise involving India, USA, Japan and Australia has a similar aim of ensuring a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific.

• Safeguarding Offshore Energy Installations:  The oil and natural gas reserves in the Exclusive Economic Zone need to be protected to ensure energy security.

• Example: Mumbai High Offshore oil platform requires robust maritime security measures for its continuous operation.

• Prevent illegal fishing: Sound maritime security is required to regulate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in India's coastal waters.

• Example: In 2020, the Indian Navy intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing trawler involved in illegal fishing in Indian waters near Lakshadweep islands.

All these indicate the growing relevance of maritime security in the present world which demands nations to focus more on security operations in the maritime domain.

Mechanisms available for Maritime security

To ensure maritime security, India employs various mechanisms and strategies that involve its naval, coast guard, and law enforcement agencies. Here are some key mechanisms available for ensuring maritime security in India.

• Indian Navy and Coast Guard Patrols: The Indian Navy and Coast Guard conduct regular patrols in Indian territorial waters and the EEZ to deter and respond to maritime threats

• Example: In 2019, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing boat carrying drugs in Indian waters off the coast of Tamil Nadu.

• Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN): India has established a Coastal Surveillance Network comprising coastal radars and Automatic Identification System stations to monitor maritime activities.

• Example: The CSN played a crucial role during the 2008 Mumbai attacks when it helped track the movement of the terrorists who entered Mumbai via sea routes.

• Maritime Exercises and Joint Operations: India conducts regular maritime exercises with foreign navies to enhance interoperability and cooperation in ensuring maritime security.

• Example: Varuna is one such naval exercise which India conducts with France.

• Legislative and Legal Frameworks: India has enacted various laws and regulations to address maritime security threats, including piracy, terrorism, and environmental protection.

• Example: The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf Act, 2002 enables India to prosecute and punish those involved in acts of maritime terrorism.

• International Cooperation: India actively collaborates with other countries and international organizations to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

• Example: India participates in initiatives like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to promote regional maritime security cooperation.

• Capacity Building and Technology Adoption: India invests in modernizing its maritime capabilities, including acquiring advanced surveillance systems, patrol vessels, and naval assets.

• Example: India's acquisition of maritime patrol aircraft, such as the P-8I Poseidon, has significantly enhanced its maritime reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.

• Port Security Measures: India strengthens security at its ports by implementing International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code measures, including access controls, security checks, and monitoring of cargo.

• Example: Major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam have enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of vessels and port facilities.

India’s initiatives for maritime security

Apart from the above-mentioned examples, other initiatives taken by India to ensure maritime security include

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): SAGAR is India's strategic maritime doctrine that emphasizes security and development in the Indian Ocean region.

• Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): The IFC-IOR, established by India in 2018, acts as a hub for information sharing and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean region. 

• The Blue Economy Vision 2030: The initiative aims to harness the potential of the blue economy while ensuring the conservation of marine ecosystems.

• National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS): In 2013, the Indian government set up the NCSMCS to review and coordinate various initiatives related to maritime and coastal security.

• National Command Control Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) Network: The NC3I Network integrates data from various sensors and surveillance systems to enhance maritime domain awareness.

International mechanisms

• International legislation: A comprehensive legislation defining the rights and responsibilities of the states brings more clarity and reduces maritime disputes.

• Example: UNCLOS is a comprehensive international treaty that establishes the legal framework for the use and protection of the world's oceans and resources.

• International organizations: An authority to regulate the actions related to maritime security brings more order in the maritime domain.

• Example: The International Maritime Organization is a UN agency that deals with the safety, security and environmental aspects of international shipping.

• Regional Maritime Security Initiatives: Many regions have established cooperative mechanisms to address specific maritime security challenges. 

• Example: The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is a regional agreement in East Africa that aims to enhance maritime security.

• Example: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a forum that brings together navies of Indian Ocean littoral states to promote regional cooperation and security.

• Maritime Exercises and Drills: Navies conduct joint maritime exercises and drills to improve interoperability and response capabilities.

• Example: US-led Sea Dragon exercise to address the maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

• Example: Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational naval partnership that conducts counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, and maritime security operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

• Information Sharing and Fusion Centers: Countries and organizations have established information sharing and fusion centres to enhance maritime domain awareness and coordinate responses to maritime threats.

• Example: The European Union's Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N) facilitates information exchange and cooperation to combat drug trafficking in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Capacity Building and Assistance Programs: International organizations and countries provide assistance and support to strengthen the maritime capabilities of less developed nations.

• Example: The United States-led Africa Partnership Station (APS) program provides training and resources to African navies and maritime security agencies

Thus, there exist diverse mechanisms to address maritime threats with actions taken both at the national and international levels to ensure maritime security and safety.

Importance of coastal community participation

Coastal communities play a crucial role in ensuring maritime security due to their proximity to the sea and their direct interaction with maritime activities. They aid in improving maritime security in the following manner

• Early Warning and Reporting: Coastal communities are often the first to notice suspicious activities or incidents at sea and timely reporting has been critical in preventing maritime crimes.

• Example: In 2019, fishermen from Kerala, India, alerted authorities about the presence of a suspicious boat which was involved in drug trafficking.

• Supporting Maritime Law Enforcement: Coastal communities can act as partners in supporting law enforcement agencies to tackle maritime challenges

• Example: Instances where the local community provides local knowledge and insights and assists in patrols.

• Example: Through the Sagar Rakshak Dal initiative launched by the Indian government, residents and fishermen are encouraged to actively participate in coastal surveillance.

• Safeguarding Fisheries and Marine Resources: Their involvement in efforts to combat illegal fishing, including reporting Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, contributes to the sustainable management of marine resources.

• Example: In Gujarat, India, the traditional fishing community of Porbandar has been actively involved in reporting and preventing illegal fishing activities

• Disaster Rescue Operations: Coastal communities are often at the forefront of disaster response and search and rescue operations in cases of maritime accidents or natural disasters at sea.

• Example: During Cyclone Fani in 2019, coastal communities in Odisha, India, played a crucial role in assisting with the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas.

• Promoting Maritime Awareness: Coastal communities can play a role in promoting maritime awareness and educating their members about the importance of maritime security and safety.

• Example: The coastal community of Mandvi in Gujarat, India, actively engages in promoting maritime awareness among its members

• Cultural and Social Ties to the Sea: Coastal communities often have deep cultural and social ties to the sea, which can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for maritime security.

All these indicate the role of the coastal community in ensuring maritime security. More initiatives must be undertaken at the national and international levels to ensure more coordination between locals and security agencies to make security measures more efficient.

Issues in Tackling Maritime Challenges

Efforts have been taken both at the national and international levels to address various maritime security threats. Still, the issue persists due to many challenges which hinder the proper implementation of security policies.

• Jurisdictional Complexity: Maritime security challenges often transcend national boundaries, making it difficult to determine which country has the authority to take action in a particular situation which hinders timely response.

• Example: The maritime border dispute between India and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal caused tensions and challenges in enforcing maritime security in the contested water.

• Information Sharing and Intelligence Gaps: Information sharing among different countries and agencies may be hindered by concerns over data confidentiality, trust issues, and technological disparities.

• Example: During the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, there were intelligence gaps and failures in sharing critical information which hindered coordinated response to the terrorist attack.

• Resource constraints: Many island nations having strategic positions in the maritime domain have constraints in terms of naval vessels and trained personnel.

• Example: Some countries in the African region face resource constraints in combating piracy off their coasts. 

• Corruption and Illicit Networks: Corruption among law enforcement and government officials can facilitate illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

• Example: The West African region, known for piracy and smuggling, has been plagued by corruption within law enforcement agencies. 

• Lack of Coordination among Agencies: Lack of coordination and information sharing among multiple agencies can lead to inefficiencies and gaps in responses. 

• Example: In the aftermath of the 2019 oil tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman, there were reports of a lack of coordination among naval forces and maritime agencies in the region

• Technological Advancements of Adversaries: Maritime security threats, such as piracy and terrorism, can evolve with technological advancements, making it difficult for security forces to tackle them.

• Example: In 2020, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested two individuals attempting to smuggle gold from India into Sri Lanka using a drone.

• Political Considerations: Maritime security issues can intersect with political interests and territorial disputes, complicating efforts to address challenges and cooperate with neighbouring countries.

• Example: The sensitive political dynamics between India, Pakistan, and China in the Indian Ocean region can impact maritime security cooperation

• Maritime Environment and Weather: The vastness of the maritime domain and adverse weather conditions can pose challenges in surveillance, response, and search and rescue operations.

• Example: India's search and rescue operations in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are often challenged by adverse weather conditions during monsoons

These indicate various roadblocks which hinder a nation from having a secure maritime border. Addressing these challenges promptly is critical for every nation to preserve its security imperative.

Way forward

• Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness: Invest in advanced technologies, such as radar systems, satellite surveillance, and AIS tracking, to improve real-time monitoring and situational awareness in the maritime domain.

• Information Sharing and Intelligence Cooperation: Foster cooperation and information-sharing agreements among countries and relevant agencies to fill intelligence gaps and respond effectively to potential threats.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with the private sector, including shipping companies and port operators, to enhance security measures and share information on potential risks.

• Coastal Community Engagement: Involve coastal communities in maritime security efforts through awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms, and community-based surveillance.

• Research and Development: Invest in research and development to stay ahead of technological advancements in maritime security, including counter-UAV technologies, underwater surveillance, and cybersecurity.

• Public Diplomacy and Maritime Awareness: Engage in public diplomacy to raise awareness about maritime security issues and the importance of cooperation in ensuring a secure and stable maritime domain.

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
Maritime security Crime of piracy Maritime Border Border Management

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security