Recent Drone attack and Maritime Security in India

GS Paper 3

 Syllabus: Internal Security

Source: IE

Context: India has issued a stern warning against recent drone attacks on India-bound merchant ships (near Porabander Port)

What was the issue?

Two merchant vessels, MV Chem Pluto and a Gabon-flagged crude oil tanker, were targeted in drone attacks in the Arabian Sea, raising concerns amid reports of Houthi militants targeting commercial vessels. The US attributed the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto to Iran. The incidents highlight heightened tensions in the region and the need for enhanced maritime security measures.

What is maritime security?

Maritime security refers to measures and strategies implemented to safeguard the seas, oceans, and maritime activities from various threats, including piracy, terrorism, environmental damage, and other illicit activities.

Importance of Maritime Security in India

Challenges to the maritime security of India

• Systemic weakness: Inadequate surveillance and monitoring, lack of coordination among various agencies, insufficient training for personnel and manpower shortage restrict our ability to protect our coasts.
• Piracy and maritime terrorism: Piracy and maritime terrorism pose a significant risk to India’s economic and strategic interests.
  • g., Recent incidents of Houthi rebels attacking ships bound for Israeli or from Israel with ballistic missiles raise concern
• Illegal fishing: Illegal fishing remains a major issue in India’s maritime security, with foreign vessels operating in Indian waters.
• Maritime boundary disputes: India has several maritime boundary disputes with its neighbouring countries, which have the potential to escalate into conflicts.
  • Ex- Sir creek dispute with Pakistan.
• Environmental threats: India’s maritime security is also threatened by environmental issues such as oil spills and pollution, which can have a significant impact on marine life and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Government measures undertaken

• SAGAR Doctrine: India’s SAGAR Doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region) underscores India’s commitment to fostering a secure and prosperous maritime neighbourhood.
• Strengthening infrastructure: The Sagarmala program aims to develop ports, harbours, and coastal security installations.
• Improving coastal security: The Indian Coast Guard has launched a coastal security scheme called “Sagar Kavach” which involves the deployment of patrol vessels, UAVs, and maritime surveillance systems to monitor the coastline.
  • In the present case of drone attack, the Indian Navy has deployed INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata to maintain a deterrent presence.
• Countering piracy and maritime terrorism: The Indian Navy has deployed warships to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea to counter piracy and maritime terrorism. The Navy has also conducted joint exercises with the navies of other countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, to enhance coordination and cooperation.
• Combating illegal fishing: The Indian Coast Guard has launched Operation Olivia to combat illegal fishing in Indian waters. The operation involves the deployment of specialized patrol vessels to monitor and intercept foreign vessels engaged in illegal fishing.
• Enhancing cybersecurity: The Indian government has launched a national cybersecurity strategy, which aims to enhance the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, including ports and maritime transportation systems.
• Technology: A vessel traffic management system (VTMS) and national command control communication and intelligence network (NC3I) have been established to improve maritime security.
• Regional cooperation: India has prioritized regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean through initiatives like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
• HADR capabilities: Prompt Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) responses like Operation Sahayata in Mozambique to natural disasters, such as cyclones and tsunamis, have earned India the reputation of a reliable partner in times of crisis. ‘Vaccine Maitri’ has further elevated the status of India.
• Capacity building: It provides training (ITEC), conducts joint and passage exercises, and shares expertise to enhance the prosperity and maritime security capacities of its neighbours.

Global Response:

• Operation Prosperity Guardian:Initiated by the US with allies like the UK, Bahrain, and Canada to protect maritime traffic from drone threats.

Way forward

• Enhancing surveillance and monitoring: This can be achieved by deploying advanced technology such as drones, radars, and other maritime surveillance systems to monitor the coastline and detect suspicious activity.
• Improving coordination and cooperation: The government should establish a mechanism to facilitate information sharing and coordination among various agencies involved in maritime security, such as the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and law enforcement agencies.
• Strengthening coastal security infrastructure: By deploying more patrol vessels, installing CCTV cameras and other security systems, and improving the physical security of ports and other maritime installations.
• Enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies: By providing them with the necessary training, equipment, and resources.
• Promoting international cooperation: This can be achieved by establishing partnerships with neighbouring countries, UNCLOS, sharing intelligence and information and conducting joint exercises with foreign navies and coast guards.

Conclusion:

Improving maritime security in India will require a sustained effort from all stakeholders, including the government, navy, coast guard, and law enforcement agencies. By implementing these steps, India can enhance its maritime security, protect its economic, political, and strategic interests, and become an important player in the Indian Ocean region.

Mains Links:

Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve its relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (UPSC 2015)

With respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (UPSC 2014)