Maritime Security

Maritime security is a multi-dimensional and dynamic challenge that requires proactive policies, coordinated institutional mechanisms, and the use of advanced technologies. For India, safeguarding its extensive coastline and ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are vital for national security, economic growth, and international influence. A combination of national mechanisms, international cooperation, and active participation of coastal communities is essential to build a secure and resilient maritime domain. Addressing challenges such as jurisdictional complexity, resource constraints, and evolving technological threats remains critical.

Significance of Maritime Security

Maritime security involves the protection of territorial waters, maritime resources, and economic interests from threats such as terrorism, piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and environmental hazards. Its significance can be understood through the following dimensions:

India’s Geo-Strategic Location

India has a 7,516 km long coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. Its central location in the Indo-Pacific region makes maritime security essential for protecting national interests and maintaining regional stability.

Security Imperative

Securing maritime borders is crucial to prevent unauthorized intrusions and safeguard sovereignty. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which terrorists entered India via the sea route, exposed serious gaps in coastal security.

Changing Dynamics of Global Politics

The maritime domain has become central to global geopolitics. Groupings such as the QUAD (India, USA, Japan, and Australia) highlight cooperative efforts to maintain a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Geo-Economics of the Indian Ocean

Safe sea lanes are vital for international trade, energy transportation, and economic growth. Initiatives such as Operation Sankalp demonstrate India’s commitment to protecting merchant shipping in conflict-prone regions.

Prevention of Smuggling and Crime

Effective maritime security helps prevent illegal trafficking of narcotics, arms, and contraband goods, which pose serious internal security threats.

Environmental Protection

Maritime security also involves protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Incidents like the 2017 Ennore oil spill highlight the need for rapid maritime response to environmental disasters.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

Naval and maritime assets play a crucial role during emergencies. For example, Operation Rahat facilitated evacuation during the Yemeni civil war.

Regional Stability and Diplomacy

Joint naval exercises such as Exercise Malabar enhance trust, interoperability, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Protection of Offshore Energy Assets

Strategic installations such as Mumbai High oil fields require strong maritime protection to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.

Preventing Illegal Fishing

Maritime surveillance helps curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as seen in the interception of foreign fishing vessels near Lakshadweep.

Maritime Security Mechanisms in India

India employs a combination of naval, coast guard, legal, and technological measures to ensure maritime security.

Indian Navy and Coast Guard

Regular patrols in territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) deter unlawful activities. For instance, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted narcotics-carrying vessels off Tamil Nadu in 2019.

Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN)

The CSN integrates coastal radar chains and Automatic Identification System (AIS) stations to monitor maritime movement and enhance domain awareness.

Maritime Exercises and Joint Operations

Exercises such as Varuna (India–France) improve interoperability and coordination with friendly navies.

Legal and Legislative Framework

India has enacted laws like the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation Act, 2002, to address maritime crimes.

International Cooperation

India actively participates in regional platforms such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Technology and Capacity Building

The induction of advanced platforms such as P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has significantly enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Port Security Measures

Implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code ensures the security of major ports like Mumbai and Chennai.

India’s Key Maritime Security Initiatives

India has launched several strategic initiatives to strengthen maritime security:

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) promotes collective security and sustainable development in the IOR.

• Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) enhances information sharing and situational awareness.

• Blue Economy Vision 2030 focuses on sustainable use of marine resources.

• National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) coordinates efforts across agencies.

• NC3I Network integrates intelligence and surveillance data for effective response.

International Maritime Security Mechanisms

Global cooperation complements national efforts in maritime security:

• UNCLOS provides the legal framework for maritime rights and responsibilities.

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulates safety, security, and environmental standards.

• Regional initiatives like the Djibouti Code of Conduct and forums such as IONS enhance cooperation.

• Multinational exercises and fusion centres improve readiness against piracy, terrorism, and trafficking.

Role of Coastal Communities in Maritime Security

Coastal communities play a vital role due to their proximity to maritime activities.

They act as early warning systems, assist law enforcement through local knowledge, support disaster response, and help prevent illegal fishing. Initiatives like Sagar Rakshak Dal formally involve coastal populations in surveillance and security efforts.

Challenges to Maritime Security

Despite progress, several challenges persist:

• Jurisdictional complexity in transnational waters

• Intelligence and information-sharing gaps

• Resource and manpower constraints, especially in island and coastal regions

• Corruption and illicit networks facilitating maritime crime

• Lack of inter-agency coordination

• Technological advancements of adversaries, such as drone-enabled smuggling

• Political and territorial disputes

• Harsh maritime weather and vast oceanic spaces, especially during monsoons

Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025

The Chief of the Naval Staff released the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025 on the occasion of Indian Navy Day, aligning the doctrine with India’s long-term strategic vision and evolving maritime priorities. The document reflects India’s growing emphasis on maritime power amid changing geopolitical and security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Navy Day

Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4th December to commemorate the role of the Indian Navy in Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.

Operation Trident (1971)

Operation Trident was a surprise naval attack on Karachi harbour, which significantly crippled Pakistan’s maritime operations. The operation was executed using three Vidyut-class missile boats—INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer, supported by INS Kiltan, INS Katchall, and the fleet tanker INS Poshak. The success of this operation established the Indian Navy’s strategic and offensive maritime capabilities.

Indian Navy Day 2025 Theme

The theme for Indian Navy Day 2025 is “Combat Ready, Cohesive, Credible and Aatmanirbhar Force — safeguarding the seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat.” The theme highlights operational preparedness, self-reliance, and maritime security as pillars of national development.

What is the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025?

The Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025 is the apex guidance document of the Indian Navy. It defines how the Navy plans, prepares, and conducts operations across the entire maritime conflict spectrum, ranging from peace to high-intensity conflict.

Evolution of the Doctrine

The Indian Maritime Doctrine was first issued in 2004, followed by revisions in 2009 and 2015. The 2025 edition reflects significant changes in India’s strategic outlook, maritime environment, and threat perceptions over the past decade.

Key Highlights of the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025

The doctrine formally recognises “no-war, no-peace” as a distinct operational category, acknowledging the growing importance of the grey zone between peace and conflict. It prioritises jointness and interoperability among the three armed services to support theatre command structures.

The doctrine incorporates lessons from grey-zone, hybrid, and irregular warfare, along with multi-domain threats. It places special emphasis on emerging domains such as space, cyber, and cognitive warfare. The adoption of uncrewed systems, autonomous platforms, and advanced technologies is strongly promoted to enhance operational effectiveness.

Significance of the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025

The doctrine promotes the idea of a maritime-conscious nation and positions maritime power as a key pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047. It aligns with major national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and MAHASAGAR.

It also supports tri-service joint doctrines, including those related to Special Forces, Airborne/Heliborne Operations, and Multi-Domain Operations, thereby strengthening interoperability and integrated military planning. The doctrine emphasises a coherent maritime strategy that supports economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and blue economy development.

History of the Indian Navy

Ancient Maritime Roots

India’s maritime tradition dates back over 4,000 years, with ancient civilizations such as Harappa, Mohenjodaro, and Lothal actively engaged in maritime trade with Africa, Arabia, and Mesopotamia. By the 4th century BCE, India had developed advanced riverine and oceanic navigation, and the word “navigation” is derived from the Sanskrit term Navagati.

Medieval Maritime Power

During the medieval period, Indian powers such as the Cholas, Zamorins, and Marathas built strong naval forces. The Maratha Navy under Kanhoji Angre effectively challenged European naval powers along India’s western coast.

European Naval Dominance

European naval dominance began with Vasco da Gama’s arrival in 1498, leading to the establishment of powerful Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French navies that eventually controlled Indian waters.

Rise of the Modern Indian Navy

The modern Indian Navy evolved from the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) established during British rule. After India became a Republic, the prefix “Royal” was dropped, and it became the Indian Navy.

Leadership and Motto

The President of India serves as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. The Navy’s motto is “Sam No Varunah,” meaning “May the god of the waters, Varuna, be auspicious to us.”

Role and Capabilities of the Indian Navy

Today, the Indian Navy is a multi-dimensional blue-water force focused on maritime security, power projection, and protection of India’s strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific. The Navy’s elite special forces unit, MARCOS (Marine Commandos), is trained in amphibious warfare, counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and asymmetric operations.

Major Naval Operations

Post-independence, the Indian Navy has played key roles in major operations, including the 1961 liberation of Goa, the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War (Operations Trident and Python), and various modern maritime security and humanitarian operations.

Conclusion

Maritime security is integral to national defense, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and regional stability. For India, sustained investment in technology, institutional capacity, community participation, and international cooperation is essential to secure its maritime interests in an increasingly contested global maritime environment.