Recently, India proposed to convene an open debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on enhancing maritime security. This intention stems from the need to promote effective international maritime cooperation as a tool for addressing various threats to maritime security, ranging from natural disasters to man-made challenges. This move also underscores India’s rising international significance as a maritime nation.
Significance of the Indian Ocean for India
Due to its extensive coastline measuring over 7,500 km, India has a vested interest in bolstering maritime security. Three significant Sea Lanes Of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean crucially factor into its energy stability and economic prosperity. These SLOCs include one connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Bab al-Mandab, another linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Hormuz, and the last one joining the Indian and Pacific Oceans through the Straits of Malacca. The latter is particularly integral to facilitating uninhibited trade flow with ASEAN, East Asia, Russia’s Far East, and the US. Interestingly, the Indian Ocean region handles 75% of worldwide maritime trade and half of the daily global oil consumption.
India’s Efforts Towards Maritime Security
India’s approach to securing its maritime interests is multifaceted and proactive. Following the devastation wrought by the 2004 tsunami, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System was established in 2005 under the UN’s aegis. This platform enables an international collaboration aimed at averting similar catastrophic events.
In response to the heightened piracy threat off Somalia’s coast since 2007, the Indian Navy vigorously participated in the UNSC-mandated Contact Group on Piracy off Somalia’s coast, involving 60 other countries.
The SAGAR Policy – India’s Comprehensive Maritime Framework
In March 2015, Indian Prime Minister introduced the Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) policy during a trip to Mauritius. This comprehensive regional framework serves as the cornerstone of India’s maritime strategy, hinging on India’s role as a primary security provider in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). The policy also emphasizes the necessity for enhanced cooperation in fostering IOR’s future and ensuring equitable development prospects for all regional countries.
Adherence to International Maritime Law
India acknowledges the importance of abiding by international law, evident in its acceptance of an UNCLOS tribunal award concerning the maritime boundary dispute between India and Bangladesh. Additionally, India advocates effective international economic cooperation among the Bay of Bengal’s littoral states (BIMSTEC).
Enhancing Maritime Security Through Data Sharing
To boost maritime security, sharing data concerning threats to commercial shipping is crucial. Thus, India established an International Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean region in Gurugram in 2018. Administered jointly by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the IFC contributes significantly to generating Maritime Domain Awareness about safety and security matters.
Enhancing Maritime Security: A Way Forward
Maintaining international cooperation to improve maritime security necessitates two supportive policy and operational frameworks. First, the operational effectiveness of UNCLOS needs revision. It should particularly focus on the enforcement of provisions related to the freedom of navigation, sustainable exploitation of maritime resources, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Securing SLOCs that traverse the oceans is paramount for elevating maritime security. Hence, the global debate must revolve around ensuring unrestricted and equal access to SLOCs by states while seeking peaceful resolutions to disagreements.
The private sector’s increased engagement in the maritime domain, particularly in shipping and sustainable development through the Blue Economy, is another crucial aspect. Moreover, leveraging the maritime domain to accommodate critical submarine fibre-optic cables necessary for the Digital Economy can also be beneficial.
A multi-stakeholder approach endorsed by the UNSC would significantly contribute towards enhancing maritime security, thereby establishing a model for maintaining “multi-dimensional” security in the 21st century.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024