Maritime Security Challenges of India

India is a maritime nation with a coastline of approximately 7,516 kilometers, 13 major ports, and over 200 minor ports. Maritime security is directly linked to India’s economic security, trade, energy supply, and strategic interests.

 Major Maritime Security Challenges:

1.  Security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)

• Around 90% of India's trade is carried out through maritime routes.
• Traditional naval threats such as warships and submarines can endanger SLOCs.

2.  Maritime Terrorism

• The 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed the vulnerability of Indian coastal routes.
• Terrorist groups may use sea routes to smuggle weapons and explosives.

3.  Piracy and Armed Robbery

• A major concern, particularly in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
• Indian vessels often face piracy threats from Somali pirates near the Horn of Africa.

4.  Smuggling and Illegal Activities

• Maritime routes are used for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
• Criminal syndicates, such as the Dawood Ibrahim gang, operate near the India-Pakistan maritime boundary.

5.  Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

• Foreign vessels encroach into Indian waters for fishing.
• This adversely impacts India’s Blue Economy and marine biodiversity.

6.  Maritime Cyber Security

• IT and OT systems in modern ships, ports, and container management are vulnerable.
• Cyberattacks can disrupt maritime logistics and port operations.

7.  Chinese Influence and Naval Expansionism

• Under its “String of Pearls” strategy, China has developed ports around India (e.g., Hambantota, Gwadar, Chittagong).
• This poses a strategic threat to the Indian Navy and India's maritime dominance.

8.  Sea Level Rise and Climate Change

• Floods, cyclones, and other climate-induced disasters impact coastal security, communication, and operations.

India’s Response Strategies:

India’s SAGAR Policy:

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is a major maritime initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The policy aims to establish India as a safe, stable, and prosperous maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Approach:

Question:

“Maritime security is a multi-dimensional challenge for India. Discuss the threats India faces in the maritime domain and the measures taken to address them.”

Suggested Structure:

1. Introduction
2. Key Maritime Security Challenges
3. India’s Strategic Responses
4. Way Forward / Suggestions
   • Coastal community engagement
   • Expansion of blue-water navy
   • Use of AI and drone surveillance
5. Conclusion

Conclusion:

India’s maritime security is intrinsically linked to its economic growth and its position as a regional power. Addressing the multi-dimensional threats requires an integrated strategy, multi-agency coordination, and technological empowerment.

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