What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.

Owing to a 7000 km long maritime border, Maritime Security is imperative to India’s National Security.

Challenges in Maritime border Management  

• Less focus on Maritime security. 
• Coordination issues due to – Fragmented Approach & Overlapping jurisdiction between State Police, Indian Coast Guards and Navy. 
• Unsettled maritime borders ex –  Pakistan.
• Uncooperative Behaviour by neighbouring countries – Ex – Sri Lanka allowing Chinese Ship. 

Steps Taken to ensure Maritime Security 

Organisational 

• The National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) HEADED BY CABINET SECRETARY is a national-level forum for maritime and coastal security. 
• The Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and State Marine Police, as a three tiered cover. 

Participation in Regional groupings: 

• IORA – Indian Ocean Rim Association 
• IONS – Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
• IOC – Indian Ocean commission 
• BIMSTEC 

Technical 

• Indigenous capacity building: 
  • INS Arihant (Nuclear submarine)
  • INS Vikrant (Aircraft carrier)
  • Achieved Nuclear triad 
  • Electronic – Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN). 

• Procedural 
  • Post 26/11 – establishment of mechanisms for inter-agency coordination. 
  • State-wise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for inter-agency coordination 
  • Coastal Security Exercises by Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard

There is a need for wholistic approach focussing on Geo-Political engagement, Capacity building along with the strengthening of the Security forces.