Answer:

Introduction:

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2012 decision to shift the high-risk piracy area’s longitudinal marking from 65° East to 78° East in the Arabian Sea has significant implications for India’s maritime security.

Body:

Impact on India’s Maritime Security

• Increased Surveillance Burden: This shift expanded the high-risk area closer to India’s western coast, increasing India’s responsibility for surveillance and anti-piracy operations, as seen with the increased patrolling by the Indian Navy.
• Threat to Commercial Interests: The redefinition puts Indian commercial vessels within the high-risk zone, increasing risks for India’s shipping industry and potentially raising insurance premiums for these vessels.
• Impact on Fishing Activities: The new high-risk area includes parts of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which could impact the operations of Indian fishing vessels due to safety concerns.
• Potential for Increased Cooperation: The shift also presents an opportunity for enhanced international cooperation in tackling maritime piracy, as exhibited in India’s collaborative efforts with countries like Maldives and Seychelles.

Conclusion:

The IMO’s decision to shift the piracy high-risk area’s longitudinal marking closer to India significantly increases India’s maritime security responsibilities and commercial vulnerabilities. Yet, it also provides an impetus for stronger international cooperation in securing the Arabian Sea against piracy.