Starting with the initial paragraph, India is making formidable strides in developing coastal radar stations in strategic locations such as Maldives, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. This radar chain will consolidate real-time data regarding naval movements in the Indian Ocean Region, fostering greater cooperation among friendly nations.
Advancing Coastal Radar Chain Network
The primary motivation behind implementing the Coastal Radar Chain Network is to facilitate a comprehensive exchange of maritime information, subsequently fostering heightened awareness in the critical Indian Ocean Region. This initiative also optimizes India’s efforts to bolster the capacities of Indian Ocean littoral states under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) program. The first phase has successfully implemented 46 coastal radar stations along India’s coastline, while the second phase—still in progress—is projected to establish an additional 38 static radar stations and four mobile radar stations overseen by the Coast Guard.
The Role of the Indian Coast Guard
Recognized as a multi-mission organization, the Indian Coast Guard executes real-life operations at sea throughout the year, operating under India’s Ministry of Defence. They play a critical role in the surveillance radar design, primarily aimed at detecting and tracking small fishing vessels for coastal surveillance applications. However, their radar can also directly serve Vessel Traffic management Services (VTS) applications, harbor surveillance, and navigational purposes. Crucially, they can monitor any illegal activities taking place in the maritime zones.
Data Integration into the IFC-IOR
All the data collected from these endeavors will be assimilated into the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), located in Gurugram. The IFC-IOR, administered jointly by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, forms the backbone of maritime security information in the IOR. It maintains white shipping information exchange agreements with 21 countries and 20 maritime security centres, helping track commercial non-military merchant vessels’ movements.
Challenges and Threats in the Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Ocean Region, serving as a conduit for over 75% of global maritime trade and contributing to many nations’ economic prosperity, faces numerous challenges. From maritime terrorism, piracy, human trafficking, contraband trafficking, to illegal fishing and poaching, multiple threats plague the region. The steady increase of Chinese research vessels in the region also poses a strategic concern for India.
Recent Initiatives and The Way Forward
In light of these challenges, India has participated in several recent initiatives to ensure maritime security. The council of ministers of IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) countries conducted a virtual meeting in December 2020, and India joined the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) as an Observer earlier this year. Allies such as Australia, the USA, and Japan have also been involved in the four-nation Malabar Exercise hosted by the Indian Navy.
Moreover, India’s current non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council and its upcoming G20 Presidency in 2023 affords it the opportunity to advocate for small island states facing risks due to environmental changes and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources. Utilizing naval diplomacy and ‘showing the flag’ can significantly enhance regional capacity building, while exporting military hardware underscores the importance India attaches to regional capacity building and maritime security.
