Maritime Security in India: Issues, Challenges, and Future Prospects"

Avilekh Goswami; Aparaajita Pandey

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.39968

Maritime Security in India: Issues, Challenges, and Future Prospects"

Author(s)	Mr. Avilekh Goswami, Aparaajita Pandey
Country	India
Abstract	Maritime security is a critical aspect of India's national security framework, given its vast coastline of approximately 7,516 kilometres, extensive maritime trade, and strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This paper aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of maritime security in India by examining geopolitical complexities, terrorism and piracy threats, and environmental challenges. The study provides an in-depth analysis of India’s maritime security landscape, evaluating existing policies, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and infrastructural limitations. It further highlights the need for enhanced strategic collaboration, both at the domestic and international levels, to bolster India's maritime defence mechanisms. A significant aspect of this research includes an evaluation of the current policy and regulatory framework governing India's maritime security. Despite having various agencies such as the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and state maritime boards overseeing security operations, coordination gaps, overlapping responsibilities, and bureaucratic inefficiencies persist. The paper also critically assesses technological and infrastructural limitations that hinder India's ability to effectively monitor and safeguard its maritime zones. Issues such as outdated surveillance equipment, insufficient patrolling assets, and limited integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), satellite monitoring, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are explored. The study delves into key security threats, with a special focus on terrorism and piracy. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks serve as a case study to underscore vulnerabilities in India's coastal security apparatus. The attacks exposed critical lapses, including inadequate intelligence sharing, poor coastal surveillance, and the ease with which terrorists infiltrated Indian waters. Similarly, piracy remains a pressing issue, particularly along the western coast and in areas near the Gulf of Aden, where Indian commercial vessels frequently operate. The analysis extends to other maritime threats such as illegal fishing, arms smuggling, and trafficking of narcotics and human beings, all of which pose significant risks to national security. Environmental challenges also play a crucial role in shaping India's maritime security discourse. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and increasing frequency of cyclones threaten coastal infrastructure and livelihoods. Additionally, pollution from industrial and shipping activities exacerbates ecological degradation, which, in turn, impacts economic activities such as fishing and tourism. Climate change-induced security risks, including resource competition and displacement of coastal communities, necessitate a comprehensive strategy to integrate environmental sustainability with maritime security policies. The paper further discusses prospective measures and strategic initiatives that India must undertake to strengthen its maritime security framework. Emphasis is placed on technological innovations such as the development of a robust coastal radar network, enhanced satellite surveillance, and the use of AI-driven predictive analytics for threat detection. Strengthening domestic cooperation between various maritime security agencies and improving coordination with neighbouring countries through regional alliances like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the QUAD are also explored as crucial elements of India's maritime security strategy. International cooperation remains a cornerstone of effective maritime security. India's active participation in initiatives such as the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and its engagement in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia highlight the importance of global partnerships in ensuring regional stability. Moreover, fostering stronger defense collaborations with countries like the United States, Japan, Australia, and France through joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and technology transfer can significantly enhance India’s maritime security capabilities. The paper concludes by underscoring the significance of maritime security in shaping India's future. Given its geopolitical position and economic dependencies on maritime trade, safeguarding India's maritime interests is imperative. Policymakers and stakeholders must prioritize comprehensive security reforms, technological advancements, and strengthened regional and international collaborations to mitigate evolving threats. Recommendations include streamlining inter-agency coordination, investing in maritime infrastructure, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and implementing sustainable maritime policies that balance security with environmental conservation. By adopting a proactive and integrated approach, India can effectively address its maritime security challenges and reinforce its position as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Keywords	Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Maritime domain awareness (MDA), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Maritime terrorism, Maritime counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), Quad maritime cooperation
Field	Sociology > Intelligence / Security
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On	2025-03-28
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.39968
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g898gz

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Maritime Security in India: Issues, Challenges, and Future Prospects"

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