Q. What are the maritime security challenges in India ? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.

Model Answer: 

India’s 7,516 km coastline and 2.01 million sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) face multifaceted traditional and non-traditional maritime threats.

1. Maritime Security Challenges in India

• Terrorism & Infiltration: Exploitation of porous, unpoliced coastlines by non-state actors (26/11 Mumbai attacks).
• Transnational Smuggling: High-volume influx of narcotics and arms via vulnerable sea lanes (Makran coast route).
• Geopolitical Rivalry: Expanding Chinese naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and unresolved boundaries (Sir Creek).
• Infrastructure Vulnerability: Constant threat to critical coastal assets, ports, and offshore installations (Bombay High, Kudankulam).

2. Initiatives to Improve Maritime Security

Organisational Initiatives

• Three-Tier Security Framework: Synergized jurisdiction dividing the Navy, Coast Guard, and State Marine Police.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Phased implementation of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) and creation of the Sagar Prahari Bal.

Technical Initiatives

• Information Fusion: Establishment of IMAC and the NC3I network for real-time, centralized vessel tracking.
• Domain Awareness: Deployment of the Coastal Surveillance Radar Network (CSRN) and signing White Shipping Agreements.

Procedural Initiatives

• Interoperability Protocols: Regular joint coastal defense exercises to test Standard Operating Procedures (Exercise Sea Vigil).
• Identity Management: Mandatory biometric ID cards for fishermen and standardized color-coding of local fishing boats.

Continual modernization of these security frameworks, aligned with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, is essential to establish India as a resilient net security provider.