Answer:

Introduction:

The shift of the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy from 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea in 2012 by the International Maritime Organisation had significant impacts on India’s maritime security concerns.

Body:

• Expanded Scope of Vigilance: This change meant that a larger area closer to India’s western coastline fell under the high-risk zone for piracy. Consequently, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard had to broaden their scope of surveillance and vigilance. This required enhanced maritime patrolling and monitoring capabilities to secure this expanded high-risk area.
• Increased Responsibility for Maritime Security: The expansion brought a larger section of the Arabian Sea, closer to India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), under high-risk surveillance. This increased India’s responsibility in maintaining maritime security, both for its own vessels and for international shipping transiting through this region.
• Collaboration and Cooperation: The change necessitated stronger maritime cooperation and intelligence sharing between India and other maritime nations. It highlighted the need for collaborative efforts in counter-piracy operations, leading to joint exercises and patrols with other countries to secure these waters.
• Technological Upgradation and Deployment: To effectively monitor and secure the extended high-risk area, India had to upgrade its maritime surveillance technology and capabilities. This included the induction and operationalization of advanced unmanned systems and drones like the Heron and Sea Guardian, enhancing India’s ability to conduct extensive maritime surveillance.
• Legal and Legislative Measures: The shift also underscored the need for robust legal frameworks to combat piracy. While India had introduced the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, its enactment into law was still pending, highlighting the need for comprehensive counter-piracy legislation in the country.
• Balancing Conventional and Non-Conventional Threats: The expansion of the high-risk area required India to balance its focus on both conventional threats, such as territorial disputes, and non-conventional threats like piracy and maritime terrorism.

Conclusion:

The shift of the high-risk area for piracy closer to India’s coastline increased the onus on India to secure a larger maritime zone, necessitating enhanced maritime security measures, technological upgrades, legal reforms, and international cooperation to effectively manage and mitigate piracy risks in the region.

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