HPAS 2018 Mains GS-2 Question 27
Critically examine the maritime threats faced by India in the 21st Century.
Solution:
1. Nature of Maritime Threats
- Traditional (Geopolitical): China’s “String of Pearls” and increased naval presence in the IOR (Hambantota, Gwadar); maritime boundary disputes with Pakistan (Sir Creek).
- Non-Traditional: Maritime terrorism (e.g., 26/11 attacks), piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and smuggling (narcotics and arms) via the “Golden Crescent.”
- Emerging: Cyber-attacks on port infrastructure, drone warfare at sea, and IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing depleting marine resources.
2. Impact of Threats
- Energy Security: 80% of India’s oil imports pass through maritime chokepoints; disruptions threaten the national economy.
- Economic Stability: Over 95% of India’s trade by volume is sea-borne; any insecurity hikes insurance and freight costs.
3. India’s Preparedness
- Institutional: Creation of the National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) for multi-agency synergy.
- Surveillance: The Information Fusion Centre-IOR (IFC-IOR) and a chain of coastal radars provide real-time Domain Awareness.
- Diplomatic: The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and Quad partnership.
4. Challenges in Preparedness
- Capability Gap: Slow pace of submarine induction and indigenous carrier production compared to regional rivals.
- Inter-agency Friction: Overlapping jurisdictions between the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police.
- Technological Lag: Limited expertise in Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) and deep-sea surveillance.
5. Way Forward
Blue Economy Policy: Integrating maritime security with sustainable ocean resource management.
Island Security: Strengthening the Andaman & Nicobar Command as a “frontline” outpost.
Modernization: Investing in Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and AI-driven surveillance.