Q1.Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

India's extensive coastline and strategic Indian Ocean position make robust maritime and coastal security vital. With 95% of its trade by volume and 68% by value transiting via sea, safeguarding these routes is fundamental to national prosperity and strategic interests.

Vitality of Maritime Security for India's Sea Trade

Maritime security is crucial for India's economic prosperity, ensuring uninterrupted flow of goods, energy resources, and raw materials. It protects critical sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) and offshore assets, underpinning energy security and sustained economic growth.

Maritime Security Challenges

• Piracy, sea-borne terrorism, and illegal fishing threaten shipping and marine resources.
• Smuggling of arms, drugs, and human trafficking exploits maritime routes.
• Geopolitical rivalries and increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region add strategic complexity.

Coastal Security Challenges

• Porous coastline and numerous landing points complicate surveillance.
• Vulnerability of fishing communities to exploitation by anti-national elements.
• Inadequate surveillance infrastructure and technology along certain stretches.
• Coordination gaps among multiple state and central agencies.

Way Forward

• Enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through integrated surveillance and intelligence sharing.
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination (e.g., Coastal Security Scheme, Sagar Prahari Bal).
• Build capacity of Navy and Coast Guard with modern assets and technology.
• Foster international cooperation to combat transnational threats.
• Promote community participation, especially from fishing communities, for coastal vigilance.

An integrated and robust maritime and coastal security framework is indispensable for protecting India's sea trade, securing its economic future, and maintaining regional stability.