Answer:

Introduction:

India, with its vast coastline stretching over 7500 kilometers and strategic location in the Indian Ocean region, faces a multitude of maritime security challenges. These concerns have been amplified by the growing significance of the maritime domain in global commerce, energy security, and geopolitics.

Body:

Maritime security challenges include:

• Terrorism and Piracy:
  • The porous nature of maritime borders has been exploited by terrorist groups, as was witnessed during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which originated from the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast.
  • Piracy, primarily originating from the Gulf of Aden and threatening the Western Indian coast, also poses a serious threat to India’s maritime security.
• Illegal Trafficking:
  • Smuggling of goods, illicit arms, and human trafficking through the sea routes is a perpetual challenge.
  • The Sundarbans Delta region between West Bengal and Bangladesh and the Palk Strait between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka are infamous for such illegal activities.
• Border Disputes:
  • Geopolitical tensions arise from border disputes like the Sir Creek dispute with Pakistan in the marshy regions of the Gujarat coast, and the dispute over Katchatheevu island with Sri Lanka off the Tamil Nadu coast.
• Natural Disasters:
  • India’s extensive coastline makes it vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones and tsunamis.
  • For instance, Cyclone Amphan (2020) caused widespread devastation in West Bengal, and the 2004 Tsunami severely impacted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the eastern coastal states.

Initiatives taken to improve maritime security:

Organisational:

• Coastal Security Network: India has set up a three-tier security layer including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police.
• Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): Established to enhance maritime security information sharing.
• For example, the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Marine Police force for coastal surveillance and security.

Technical:

• Satellite Surveillance: ISRO’s satellites like Rukmini and GSAT-7A assist in maritime surveillance.
• Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Radar Systems: Installed to track maritime activities in real-time.
• For example, the adoption of modern technologies like Automated Identification Systems (AIS), coastal radars, and high-resolution satellites for surveillance.

Procedural:

• Regular Coastal Security Exercises: Conducted to ensure operational readiness and coordination among different agencies.
• Issuance of Biometric ID cards: For fishermen to prevent infiltration and illegal activities.
• For example, enacting comprehensive laws like the Maritime Zones Act, 1976, and implementing stricter port controls.

Conclusion:

India’s maritime security landscape is complex, requiring multi-dimensional approaches for its security. While significant strides have been made, it is crucial to continuously innovate and adapt in response to the evolving maritime security challenges.