Q20. Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
Possible Introductions
Strategic framing:
With 90% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value routed through the seas, maritime security is the lifeline of India’s economy and national security.
Geographical framing:
India’s 7,500 km coastline, 1,300 islands, and proximity to chokepoints like Hormuz and Malacca make maritime security indispensable.
Contemporary framing:
The Indo-Pacific has become the theatre of great-power rivalry and non-traditional threats, compelling India to prioritise maritime safety.
Directive Analysis
“Why vital” → explain trade dependence, energy imports, blue economy.
“Challenges” → list multidimensional threats (terrorism, piracy, geopolitics, climate).
“Way forward” → suggest reforms, technology, and cooperation.
Body of the Answer
A) Why Maritime Security is Vital
- Protects energy lifelines: India imports most crude oil through sea lanes.
- Safeguards blue economy: Fisheries, offshore oil, seabed minerals are vulnerable without secure seas.
- Ensures safety of SLOCs (Sea Lanes of Communication): Indian Ocean is critical for global and Indian trade.
X-Factor: Any disruption in maritime trade could derail India’s economic growth trajectory.
B) Maritime and Coastal Security Challenges
- Terrorism and infiltration: 26/11 exposed vulnerability of porous coasts.
- Piracy & armed robbery: Still a threat in the Indian Ocean, raising insurance costs.
- Smuggling & trafficking: Narcotics, arms, and contraband often use India’s coasts.
- Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing: Damages ecosystems and fishermen’s livelihoods.
- Geopolitical competition: Chinese naval expansion under String of Pearls challenges India’s influence.
- Coordination gaps: Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs overlap without full integration.
- Climate change impacts: Sea-level rise and cyclones threaten ports and coastal populations.
C) Way Forward
- Strengthen Coastal Surveillance Network: Integrate Navy–Coast Guard–police operations.
- Enhance regional cooperation: Use SAGAR and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative for partnerships.
- Invest in blue economy: Build resilient port infrastructure and sustainable marine resources.
- Leverage technology: Deploy drones, AI-based surveillance, and satellite tracking.
Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
Securing maritime trade routes is vital for India’s $5 trillion economy vision.
Policy-oriented:
India must blend hard naval power, resilient infrastructure, and cooperative diplomacy.
Philosophical:
Oceans are global commons; India’s maritime vision should embody its SAGAR doctrine—Security and Growth for All in the Region.
