Maritime Security of India

Syllabus: GS3/Economy; Internal Security 

In News

• Recently, the Defence Minister called on the global maritime community to cooperate in addressing evolving and complex challenges at sea while inaugurating Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing mutual trust, shared responsibility, and adherence to international law.

Maritime Security of India

• Maritime security involves protecting the nation’s sovereignty from threats arising from the oceans and seas. 
• It includes protecting coastal areas, safeguarding the available ocean resources such as fish, offshore oil and gas wells, port facilities, etc.
• It also means maintaining freedom at sea for movement of our ships and facilitating and protecting trade

Importance

• It is vital to India’s economy and energy security, with most trade and energy supplies passing through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• India’s coastline—including mainland, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep—poses multiple security challenges such as piracy, smuggling, infiltration, and threats to ports and defense installations. 
• Protecting the maritime domain is essential for security, safeguarding resources, and ensuring sustainable trade and economic growth.

Challenges and Issues 

• Geopolitical Rivalries: Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, especially with China’s naval expansion, pose strategic challenges.
• Maritime Terrorism & Piracy: Threats from non-state actors, piracy in the Indian Ocean, and potential terror strikes on ports and offshore assets remain pressing concerns.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Vulnerability of sea lanes to blockades or cyber-attacks can impact India’s trade and energy security.
• Illegal Activities : Smuggling,cyber threats, human trafficking, and illegal fishing undermine maritime governance.
• Climate Change & Natural Disasters: Rising sea levels, cyclones, and environmental degradation threaten coastal infrastructure and livelihoods.

Indian Steps and Initiatives

• India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) builds on the earlier SAGAR policy, reflecting a commitment to collaborative maritime security and prosperity.
• Naval Modernization: Expansion of the Indian Navy with aircraft carriers, submarines, and advanced surveillance systems.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Exercises like MILAN bring together navies from across the world to strengthen interoperability and collective security.
  • MILAN 2026, held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, brought together naval chiefs and delegations from 74 countries, highlighting India’s role as a trusted maritime partner.
• Strategic Partnerships: India has signed security and defence pacts with partners like the EU, enhancing cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism.
• Sagarmala & Smart Ports: Government initiatives to modernize ports, improve logistics, and integrate green technologies for sustainable maritime growth.
• Coastal Security Measures: Strengthening the Indian Coast Guard, coastal radar chains, and coordination with state marine police.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• India’s maritime security goes beyond protecting its coastline, aiming to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific. 
• Addressing challenges like piracy and geopolitical rivalries requires naval modernization, international cooperation, and sustainable development. 
• A secure maritime domain is crucial for India’s emergence as a major global economy and strategic power while balancing economic and ecological responsibilities.

Source :PIB