Zaštita indijske pomorske bezbednosti: Izazovi i strategije
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28 May 2024
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14 June 2024
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28 June 2024
Apstrakt
Pomorska bezbednost Indije nije samo nacionalna briga; Ona ima značajne globalne implikacije zbog svoje široke obale, strateškog geografskog položaja i rastućih ekonomskih i geopolitičkih interesa. Indijski okean, koji se često naziva „Obod Indijskog okeana“, zbog mnoštva nacija sa kojima se graniči, služi kao vitalni kanal za međunarodnu trgovinu,
transport energije i geopolitičko manevrisanje. U ovom dinamičnom pomorskom teatru, uloga Indije se pojavljuje kao ključna, oblikuje složenu interakciju ekonomskih težnji, bezbednosnih imperativa i geopolitičke dinamike. Ovaj istraživački rad se bavi višestrukim dimenzijama indijske pomorske bezbednosti, analizirajući njene izazove za indijsku pomorsku bezbednost i
strategije koje se koriste za njihovo rešavanje u pomorskom domenu Indije u regionu Indijskog okeana.
Članak
INTRODUCTION
India’s maritime security has garnered substantial attention in its foreign policy discourse in light of the evolving geo-strategic landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. This heightened focus stems from several key factors: Firstly, the rapid ascent of China as a significant global power, particularly in maritime affairs, has prompted India to reassess its maritime security posture. China’s assertiveness in maritime territories and expanding naval capabilities have raised concerns regarding its security interests for India. Secondly, the importance of sea lines of communication (SLOCs) must be balanced for India, given its heavy reliance on maritime trade. 90% of India’s trade by volume and 90 % of our oil imports occur through sea (Ministry of External Affairs, 2015). Safeguarding these vital routes is imperative for India’s economic sustenance and energy security. Furthermore, the Indo-Pacific region has witnessed a surge in strategic rivalries and competition among major powers. This dynamic, driven by geopolitical interests and security concerns, underscores the need for India to bolster its maritime security capabilities to navigate this complex landscape effectively. Moreover, China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, establishing strategic ports and infrastructure through its BRI across the Indian Ocean region, directly challenges India’s maritime security (Ashraf, 2017). This encirclement strategy compels India to enhance its maritime capabilities and forge strategic partnerships to counterbalance China’s expanding influence.Lastly, the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical conduit for global trade and commerce. Recognizing this, India seeks to play a pivotal role in shaping its security architecture and safeguarding its interests while promoting stability and
cooperation among regional stakeholders.
Further, after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, India took several significant initiatives to strengthen its maritime security. Firstly, it established the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), the National Maritime Domain Awareness, to enhance its monitoring and tracking capabilities of maritime activities within its waters.Secondly, India intensified its coastal security mechanisms by enhancing coordination among various agencies responsible for maritime security, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and intelligence agencies.Thirdly, Investments in coastal infrastructure development have been significant, notably through initiatives like the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS). CSS Phase I received 495
crore INR, while Phase II secured 1579 crore INR (FICCI, 2017). The Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) is another key project implemented in two phases. In CSN Phase I,
remote static sensors were installed at 46 locations across India, costing ₹1814.32 crore in 2020 (Levina, 2022). Phase II aims to enhance coverage by adding 38 stations to the
radar network, with an allocated budget of 800 crore (ET Online, 2018). Furthermore, the Government of India (GoI) initiated a scheme for issuing biometric identity (ID) cards to coastal fishermen, with a total expenditure of 72 crore INR (FICCI, 2017).
Fourthly, India engaged in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other countries and international organizations to combat maritime threats such as piracy, terrorism, and smuggling. This involved joint patrols, exercises, and information-sharing initiatives to enhance maritime security. Fifthly, India focused on capacity building of its maritime security forces through training programs, acquisition of advanced technology and equipment, and strengthening maritime infrastructure. These initiatives have significantly impacted the exclusive economic zones in the Indian Ocean region at regional and global strategic levels. Furthermore, they have amplified India’s geo-strategic significance, contributing to its regional economic
and strategic interests.
Thus, in this context, India’s heightened focus on maritime security in its foreign policy lexicon is a response to the multifaceted challenges posed by China’s rise, the imperative to protect vital sea routes, increasing strategic rivalries, and the need to assert its influence in shaping the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, this research paper will analyze India’s maritime challenges and the strategies employed to address them in India’s maritime domain in the Indian Ocean region.
CHALLENGES TO INDIA’S MARITIME SECURITY
Traditional security threats to India’s maritime security encompass various challenges that have persisted over time and continue to pose significant risks to the nation’s coastal and maritime interests. These threats primarily stem from geopolitical rivalries, Maritime Piracy, and terrorism.
GEOPOLITICAL RIVALRY
Geopolitical rivalry in the Indian Ocean constitutes a significant concern for India’s maritime security. Historically, India’s strategic position within the region has imposed upon it the role of being a net security provider, fostering stability and safeguarding interests. However, this responsibility has proven to be a double-edged sword, as it entails confronting both known and unforeseen challenges. Consequently, the dynamics of the Indian Ocean’s geopolitics, intertwined with India’s maritime security interests, have engendered intense rivalry between New
Delhi and external actors, notably China. Examining specific facets of this rivalry elucidates its profound implications for India’s maritime security landscape.
First, the Indian Ocean serves as a pivotal geopolitical arena where major powers, including India, China, and the United States, alongside regional players, compete for influence and strategic dominance. This competition is notably exemplified by China’s consistent presence in the Indian Ocean and its endeavors to bolster strategic assets through initiatives like the maritime Silk Road, particularly focusing on small island states such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius. These developments were propelled by two factors: First, China faces considerable strategic disadvantages in the Indian Ocean; second, China has few dependable security relationships in the region (Brewster,2014). These geopolitical dynamics are
further underscored by the contest for access to vital sea lanes, control over maritime chokepoints, and establishment of naval bases, all of which directly impinge upon India’s maritime security interests. A recent development of significance is the signing of a military assistance agreement between Maldives and China, which marks a notable milestone in their bilateral relationship. This development has significant implications for India’s relationship with Maldives and its regional interests.
Second, the escalation of geopolitical rivalry in the Indian Ocean has increased naval presence and power projection among competing nations. Notably, the Chinese navy’s expanding presence and operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean have raised concerns for New Delhi. Indian Navy Chief R Hari Kumar has stated that at any given time, there are typically 3-6 Chinese warships operating in the Indian Ocean Region, alongside 2-4 Chinese research vessels and fishing vessels (PTI, 2023). In response to this strategic landscape, India, as a significant regional power, is actively seeking to maintain a dominant naval posture to safeguard its maritime interests and counterbalance the influence of rival powers, particularly China. This involves fostering strategic partnerships with other resident powers such as France, the United States, and the United Kingdom (Baruah, 2019).
Third, the Infrastructure development and investment in the Indian Ocean region have fueled geopolitical rivalry, particularly as littoral states in the region often lack significant infrastructure and investment. Xi Jinping has capitalized upon this need through his flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For example, Chinese infrastructure investment in Sri Lanka totaled $12.1 billion between 2006 and July 2019, equivalent to 14 percent of Sri Lanka’s 2018 GDP (Wignaraja, Panditaratne, Kannangara, & Hundlani, 2020). Similarly, by 2018, the Maldives owed China $3 billion, a significant sum given the island nation’s annual economic output of $4.9 billion (Mishra, 2024). These investments predominantly focus on maritime infrastructure, including ports, naval bases, and maritime surveillance systems.
From India’s perspective, efforts have been made to modernize naval facilities and expand maritime domain awareness capabilities to counterbalance the rising influence of rival powers. This is evident through initiatives such as the Coastal Security Scheme, which has facilitated much-needed infrastructure development to bolster coastal police security. Under the Coastal Surveillance Radar System, a chain of Integrated Coastal Surveillance Systems (ICSS) has been commissioned, capable of detecting sub-20-meter boats such as county boats, dinghies, and fishing vessels in heavy sea clutter environments and all weather conditions (DRDO, n.d.). Additionally, the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC),
established after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, serves as the nodal agency for maritime information and monitoring. Efforts are underway to upgrade IMAC into the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) center.
Lastly, partnerships and alliances among like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean have intensified geopolitical rivalries while also bolstering their maritime security posture. A prime example of such cooperation is the quadrilateral partnership between India, the United States, Australia, and Japan (Kaura, 2020). This alliance underscores a collective response to the hegemonic rise of China and its disregard for the rule of law in the region. The emergence of China’s military and economic prowess has cast a dark and ambitious shadow over the Indian Ocean region. Consequently, the security alliance formed by liberal democracies in the Indian Ocean serves as a strategic bloc to counter Chinese influence in the region.
Moreover, it seeks to collectively address shared security challenges and uphold a rule-based maritime order.
MARITIME PIRACY
The International Maritime Bureau defines piracy as ‘an act of boarding any vessel to commit theft or any other crime and with the intent or capability to use force in the furtherance of that act (ICC International Maritime Bureau, 1999). The definition encompasses a broad range of criminal activities, including theft and other crimes, committed through boarding any vessel. This comprehensive scope ensures that various forms of piracy, such as armed robbery, hijacking, and kidnapping, are covered under the definition.
In the Indian context, the recent enactment of the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill (2019) in December 2022 underscores the continued emphasis on countering maritime piracy in the region, providing reassurance to shipowners and operators (International Chamber of Shipping, 2023). The Bill delineates piracy as any unlawful act of violence, detention, damage, or destruction perpetrated by any private ship’s individual, crew, or passenger. Such acts qualify as piracy if committed against another ship, person, or property onboard a vessel, specifically on the high seas (Mandhani, 2022). Consequently, security threats stemming from maritime piracy remain of utmost concern to India’s interests in the Indian Ocean region. Piracy significantly impacts India’s trade routes, maritime commerce, energy security, and the integrity of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
India’s trade routes extend from the far east to the far west, traversing key chokepoints including Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, the Nine-degree Channel, the twelve-degree Canal, the Malacca Strait, and the Strait of Lombok. Notably, piracy activities are prevalent in Bab al-Mandab, Malacca, and Lombok Strait. Historically, the nexus between terrorist organizations like al-Shabab posed a significant threat to maritime trade, particularly along India’s trade routes in the horns of Africa, the Gulf of Aden, and the east coast of Africa (Onuoha,2010). In response to this security risk, India deployed its naval task force for anti-piracy patrols in 2008, safely escorting 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers since then (Bhushan, 2024). It is crucial to recognize that unchecked piracy and associated activities can disrupt vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean, impeding the flow of goods and
energy resources essential to India’s economy. Moreover, such disruptions can lead to increased shipping costs, delivery delays, and uncertainty in maritime trade.
The escalating piracy threat in the Indian Ocean imperils maritime commerce and the safety of vessels, including merchant ships and fishing boats. Recent incidents highlight a surge in piracy attacks, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Somali waters. Notably, the MV Abdullah, a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier, was seized off the coast of Somalia, with its 23-member crew taken hostage while en route from Maputo, Mozambique, to the United Arab Emirates with a cargo of 55,000 tonnes of coal (Aljazeera, 2024). To address this growing menace, the Indian Navy has deployed a substantial force, including ten warships, P-8I surveillance aircraft, Sea Guardian drones, and a significant personnel contingent, for anti-piracy and
anti-drone operations in the Arabian Sea and adjacent areas, safeguarding both Indian and international cargo traffic (ANI, 2024).Further, escalating piracy incidents on commercial and merchant vessels has raised significant concerns for India’s interests. Recent operations conducted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea have resulted in the rescue of over 100 individuals, including 27 from Pakistan and 30 from Iran, in various anti-piracy efforts. Furthermore, the Indian Navy’s engagement in anti-piracy operations, such as ‘Operation Sankalp’ and others, has successfully responded to 13 attack incidents, saving the lives of 110 individuals, comprising 45 Indians and 65 international citizens (ANI, 2024).
Moreover, in March 2024, following 100 days of anti-piracy operations east of the Red Sea, the Indian Navy handed over 35 Somali pirates to the Mumbai police. This occurred amidst a resurgence of piracy in the region after nearly a decade (Kaushik, 2024). The escalating piracy situation presents a formidable challenge and a significant concern for India. Furthermore, data from the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa, the coordinating center for the European Union’s anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR, indicates more than 20 hijackings or attempted hijackings of ships in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin since November 2023 (Acharya and Obulutsa, 2024). Thus, the escalating piracy threat in the Indian Ocean
poses significant challenges for maritime security and commerce, necessitating concerted efforts by stakeholders to address this issue effectively.
TERRORISM
Terrorism poses a significant challenge to India’s maritime security due to its vast coastline, crucial maritime infrastructure, and strategic interests at sea. Despite several security measures implemented after the 2008 Mumbai maritime terror attack, there is room for considerable improvement in strengthening the security framework along the Indian coast. Nonetheless, persistent potential threats to India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean stem from various contemporary factors. First, against the backdrop of contemporary geopolitical conflicts in and around India’s neighborhood, the active involvement of non-state actors and terrorist groups has heightened concerns and exposed India to potential terrorist
infiltration by sea (Pandya, 2020). This was notably demonstrated in December 2023 when Houthi rebels targeted an Israel-linked chemical tanker off the Indian coast.
Such developments hold strategic significance for India’s interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the Arabian Sea, as conflict zones in the Middle East (such as Israel-Gaza, Israel-Iran, and Yemen-Houthi Rebels) are witnessing militarization, impacting the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.
Second, India’s vital maritime infrastructure, including ports, naval bases, offshore installations, commercial shipping lanes, and nuclear facilities, are prime targets for terrorist organizations aiming to disrupt economic activities and sow chaos. Additionally, these groups exploit maritime routes in gray areas for smuggling weapons, explosives, drugs, and personnel. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack exemplifies this, as terrorists identified strategic targets and utilized lesser guarded areas for their assault, highlighting the need to secure these assets along the coastline and address gaps in maritime security. Given the increasing threat of maritime terrorism and advancements in terrorist tactics and technologies, safeguarding these strategic assets is paramount.Third, transnational terrorist networks such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, along with their connections to other terrorist
organizations in Pakistan, engage in proxy warfare and state-sponsored terrorism, posing a significant threat to India and its regional interests. These terrorist groups exploit loopholes in security setups and vulnerabilities in maritime security. Therefore, ensuring constant surveillance, employing technologies, and enhancing intelligence sharing and coordination among maritime agencies and stakeholders are crucial for addressing gaps in maritime security.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS
The turning point in India’s maritime security within the Indian Ocean occurred immediately following the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. This incident exposed significant loopholes in India’s maritime security apparatus. Subsequently, the Pradhan committee, tasked with investigating the shortcomings of Mumbai police in handling terror threats, provided crucial insights and recommendations to enhance coastal security. The committee’s findings played a pivotal role in catalyzing systemic and infrastructural reforms in India’s maritime security
framework. Additionally, there have been strategic initiatives and partnerships in India’s maritime domain. These are the policy changes implemented by the Indian government by establishing the Information and Management Analysis Center (IMAC) in 2014. This move aimed to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness on a broader scale. Furthermore, these initiatives facilitated stronger strategic international cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS
In the wake of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India was forced to confront the harsh reality of its vulnerability in the maritime domain. The brazen assault, which targeted one of India’s most bustling metropolises and claimed numerous innocent lives, served as a wake-up call for the nation. It underscored the urgent need to bolster maritime security measures to prevent such heinous acts from recurring. Recognizing the imperative to enhance its maritime domain awareness (MDA), India embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of its policy and strategic framework (Baruah, 2016). The gravity of the loss of lives, coupled with the significant blow to its international image and the looming threat of future terror strikes, propelled India towards a proactive stance in safeguarding its maritime interests.
Central to this strategic shift was the implementation of multifaceted measures (Information sharing and surveillance and Coastal radar network and satellite monitoring) aimed at fortifying India’s MDA capabilities across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Information sharing emerged as a cornerstone of this approach, with India actively engaging in collaborative efforts with regional and international partners to exchange vital intelligence and enhance situational awareness. As part of its strategic policy focusing on information sharing and surveillance, India established the Information Management and Analysis Center (IMAC) as a pivotal component within the National Command Control Communications and
Intelligence Network (NC3I Network). IMAC, a collaborative effort involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Bharat Electronics Ltd, was created to enhance coastal surveillance capabilities. Positioned as the nerve center of India’s maritime security apparatus, IMAC is directly linked to 51 Naval and Coast Guard stations spread across the coastline and island territories (Indian Navy, 2015).
This initiative facilitated comprehensive surveillance and information dissemination across the Indian Ocean region, involving fifteen key agencies responsible for India’s maritime security. These agencies encompass various sectors, including port trusts, the Directorate General of Shipping, the Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships, Fisheries (DADF), the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, economic agencies, shipping and energy operators, intelligence agencies, the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, state police, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Customs and Immigration, and other branches of the Armed Forces (Indian Navy, 2015). Through integrating IMAC into the NC3I Network, India has achieved a streamlined approach to maritime security, fostering enhanced coordination and cooperation among diverse stakeholders. This centralized hub facilitates real-time data sharing, analysis, and decision-making, thereby bolstering India’s ability to monitor and respond to maritime threats effectively in the Indian Ocean region.
To strengthen maritime safety and security cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region, the Government of India established the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram on December 22, 2018. This initiative aligns with India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) (PIB, 2023). The IFC-IOR serves as a hub for collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. It facilitates improved correlation of information, shortens information cycles, and provides timely inputs for effective decision-making. Moreover, the IFC-IOR hosts International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from partner nations, fostering greater international cooperation. To date, ILOs from 12 partner nations, including Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, have been hosted at the Centre (PIB, 2023).
Additionally, in the Western Indian Ocean, the Maritime Security Architecture is supported by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). This framework includes the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC), the Regional Operations Coordination Centre (RCOC), and the national centers of the seven signatory countries (Comoros, Djibouti, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles) (The Hindu Bureau, 2023). These collaborative mechanisms aim to enhance regional maritime security and coordination efforts.This strategic policy overhaul underscored India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and securing its shores against the ever-evolving threat landscape. By fostering
greater collaboration, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and bolstering its surveillance infrastructure, India sought to establish itself as a proactive and vigilant guardian of maritime security in the region.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
India’s strategic focus on the Indian Ocean isn’t merely a national concern but a regional and global imperative. Through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, India is fortifying its maritime interests nuanced and comprehensively. At the heart of India’s bilateral strategy lies the cultivation of strategic partnerships with key littoral states in the Indian Ocean region. India aims to foster mutual trust and cooperation with countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles through diplomatic engagements, defense agreements, and joint exercises (Allen, 1999) . Notable examples include SLINEX with Sri Lanka, SIMBEX with Singapore, MALABAR with the US, JIMEX with Japan, INDRA with Russia, Varun with France, KONKAN with the UK, MILAN, and BONGO-SAGAR with Bangladesh. These exercises facilitate mutual understanding, expose navies to each other’s procedures, and enhance
interoperability to counter maritime terrorism and piracy. Such engagements promote friendship and maritime cooperation in the region.
Moreover, India engages in strategic partnerships and bilateral cooperation through 2+2 Ministerial dialogues with the United States, Japan, and Australia. These partnerships are crucial for defense and security cooperation, technology collaborations, and fostering people-to-people ties. Joint exercises, intelligence sharing, technology transfer, and collaborative efforts to counter piracy and terrorism are integral components of these engagements. At the multilateral level, India participates in key maritime security initiatives such as the White Shipping
Agreement, the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). The White Shipping Agreement facilitates the exchange of unclassified information on commercial shipping activities, thereby enhancing maritime domain awareness and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
The Djibouti Code of Conduct, consisting of a Code of Conduct, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and the Jeddah Amendment, aims to prevent and suppress piracy and armed robbery at sea. India has joined as an observer to bolster maritime security in the Indian Ocean. ReCAAP enhances regional cooperation to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia through information sharing, capacity building, collaboration and coordination among relevant authorities, and facilitating legal frameworks for prosecution. India’s participation as a contracting party plays a significant role in enhancing maritime security in Asian waters. India’s engagement in multilateral cooperation in the Indian Ocean reflects its commitment to regional stability and prosperity. By collaborating with other nations, India seeks to address common challenges and promote a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean region. This multilateral maritime cooperation has enabled India to build its strategic and economic sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean region.
CONCLUSION
India strategically responds to the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape, primarily influenced by China’s maritime ascendancy. This response is characterized by an intensified focus on maritime security, driven by the imperative to safeguard economic interests and ensure regional stability. Key initiatives, including the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), coastal security enhancements, infrastructure investments, and strategic partnerships, underscore India’s commitment to assert its influence and shape security dynamics in the
Indian Ocean region.Geopolitical rivalries, especially with China, present formidable challenges to India’s maritime security. In response, India is leveraging strategic partnerships, enhancing infrastructure, and modernizing its naval capabilities. The country recognizes the necessity for continuous vigilance, adaptation, proactive diplomacy, and alliances to uphold a rule-based maritime order and promote stakeholder collaboration.
The resurgence of piracy in the Indian Ocean poses a significant threat to maritime security and commerce. India’s Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill of 2019 demonstrates its determination to combat piracy through patrols and naval deployments. Recent incidents underscore the urgency for increased vigilance and collaboration among stakeholders. Joint efforts, including intelligence sharing and legal frameworks, are essential to deter and prosecute pirates, ensuring the safety of vessels in the Indian Ocean.Terrorism in the maritime domain, exemplified by incidents such as the Mumbai attacks, presents another critical challenge for India. India emphasizes enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and cooperation among maritime
agencies to mitigate this threat. A comprehensive security framework, reliant on sustained collaboration and adaptability, is essential to ensure safety and security along India’s vast coastline and protect critical maritime infrastructure.
Following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India revamped its maritime security architecture, establishing IMAC and the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) to bolster defenses and enhance situational awareness. IMAC’s integration into the National Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence (NC3I) Network facilitates seamless coordination and real-time data sharing, while IFC-IOR fosters international cooperation. India’s commitment to these initiatives, alongside collaboration with partners, is pivotal for maintaining a safe maritime environment.India’s strategic focus on the Indian Ocean extends globally through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Engagements with littoral states
and strategic partners like the US, Japan, and Australia enhance interoperability and trust, countering maritime threats through joint exercises and intelligence sharing. Participation in initiatives like the White Shipping Agreement and Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) underscores India’s commitment to regional stability and prosperity through collaboration. Overall, India’s multilateral maritime cooperation enhances its influence in the Indian Ocean, fostering a safer and more prosperous maritime domain.
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26. PTI (April 29, 2023). Contestation Happening At Sea On Daily Basis”: Navy Chief On China Ships. NDTV. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navy-chief-r-hari-kumar-on-chineseships-in-indian-ocean-region-keeping-close-watch-3990734
27. The Hindu Bureau. (February 23, 2023). Navy’s IFC-IOR ties up with Seychelles centre for enhancing maritime domain awareness. The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navys-ifc-ior-ties-up-with-seychelles-centre-for-enhancing-maritime-domainawareness/article66541184.ece
28. Widnaraja, Ganeshan. Panditaratne, Dinusha. Kannangara, Pabasara. Huandlani, Divya (March 2020). Chinese Investment and the BRI in Sri Lanka. Chatham House. Retrieved from https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/CHHJ8010-Sri-Lanka-RP-WEB-200324.pdf
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