The Indian Defense Minister recently addressed the 5th World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) in New Delhi, asserting India’s role as the “first responder” in the Indian Ocean Region. This concept is indicative of India’s increasing capability and willingness to be recognized as a leading power.
The World Congress on Disaster Management
The WCDM is a unique initiative by Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society. It aims to bring researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from around the world together to discuss various challenging aspects of disaster risk management. The mission of this congress is to encourage interaction between science, policy, and practices to enhance understanding of risks and advance actions for reducing risks and building resilience to disasters.
India: The First Responder
India sees itself as a guardian and promoter of security and growth in the Indian Ocean region; a vision encapsulated by the acronym, SAGAR. Elements of the SAGAR vision include deepening economic and security cooperation among the littoral states, enhancing capacities to safeguard land and maritime territories, promoting sustainable regional development, and taking collective action against non-traditional threats like natural disasters, piracy, and terrorism.
The Driving Factors
India’s unique position in the Indian Ocean Region combined with the capabilities of its Armed Forces allows it to significantly contribute to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) situations. By allocating resources to prevent or mitigate regional and international crises, India demonstrates commitment as a responsible actor in the international order.
The Need for a First Responder
In today’s challenging geopolitical landscape, traditional and non-traditional threats plague the world. These threats can range from natural calamities like Covid-19 to sudden financial shocks, often leading to massive repercussions with regional and global implications. As a first responder, India aims to provide support to smaller or less capable states in dire need of assistance.
Manifestation of India as the First Responder
India has been regularly conducting HADR operation exercises with neighbouring and friendly countries to deepen cooperation and coordination. The Indian Government and military forces have played critical roles in supporting countries during relief operations like the 2004 tsunami, the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, and more.
Building Disaster Resilience
India has actively taken the lead in building Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) and offering its expertise to friendly countries. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was first proposed by India during the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi.
Non-Traditional Security Challenges
The Indian Navy has emerged as the default first responder to non-traditional security challenges in the Indian Ocean. Efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 include deployment of nearly thirty warships that have successfully escorted over 1500 ships and thwarted around thirty piracy attempts.
Post-Conflict Relief and Rehabilitation
India often assumes a leadership role in supporting countries undergoing post-conflict processes, which require expert resources and significant funding. Examples include aid provided to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka for post-conflict recovery.
Refugee Flows
India has consistently provided emergency safe haven for refugees and minority populations from across South Asia.
The Way Forward
Emerging technologies in space, communication, bio-engineering, and artificial intelligence can revolutionize disaster risk assessment and early warning communication. A post-pandemic assessment of the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is needed. The new framework should incorporate new ideas in global and national strategies for implementing these goals. Moreover, the tradition of being the first responder must be further studied and promoted, as it reflects India’s commitment to take a leading role in the international order. This will require endowment with adequate resources and capabilities for India to move even quicker and farther beyond its borders.
