India's Maritime Shield: Coastal Security

Safeguarding the vast coastline and vital maritime interests of the nation.

Dive into the Details

Introduction: A Vast and Vulnerable Domain

India's long coastline and extensive island territories present a distinct and complex dimension of its internal security. Beyond traditional land-based threats, the maritime domain is increasingly vulnerable to asymmetric challenges like maritime terrorism, piracy, and sophisticated smuggling operations.

The devastating 26/11 Mumbai attacks served as a stark reminder of these vulnerabilities. This module provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges confronting India's coastal and maritime security, ranging from illicit activities at sea to the growing impact of cyber threats and climate change.

It further elaborates on India's multi-layered security mechanism involving the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and various technological measures, alongside key initiatives aimed at enhancing coastal resilience and integrating local communities into the security matrix.

7.2.1 Challenges to Coastal Security

Long Coastline & Island Territories

  • Vastness: 7,516 km coastline (7th longest), incl. A&N and Lakshadweep.
  • Complexity: Dense network of creeks, inlets, estuaries makes surveillance challenging.
  • Island Vulnerability: Remote, dispersed islands susceptible to infiltration, smuggling.

Vulnerability to Maritime Terrorism

  • Asymmetric Threat: Terrorist groups (e.g., LeT in 26/11) exploit sea routes for attacks.
  • 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008): Watershed event highlighting gaps in coastal surveillance & coordination.

Piracy & Armed Robbery at Sea

  • Areas of Concern: Gulf of Aden, parts of Arabian Sea affect Indian shipping.
  • Impact: Economic losses, threat to seafarers, trade disruption.

Smuggling (Arms, Drugs, Gold)

  • Sea Routes: Extensive use due to perceived lower risk.
  • Types: Arms, narcotics (Golden Crescent, African routes), gold, FICN, other contraband.
  • Impact: Funds organized crime & terror, impacts economy, fuels crime.

Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

  • Impact: Depletes resources, affects livelihoods, can cover illicit activities.
  • Challenge: Difficult to monitor and enforce regulations across vast grounds.

Cyber Threats to Maritime Infrastructure

  • Vulnerability: Increasing digitalization of port operations, shipping logistics, maritime comms (AIS, VTS).
  • Impact: Disrupts ports, paralyzes shipping, compromises cargo, economic losses, security breaches. (Source: Indian Navy, CERT-In)

Coastal Communities & Integration

  • Lack of Awareness: Many fishing communities unaware of threats/protocols.
  • Socio-economic Factors: Poverty, lack of livelihoods can lead to complicity.
  • Challenge: Build trust, integrate as 'eyes and ears', address grievances.

Climate Change Impacts

  • Sea Level Rise & Extreme Weather: Threatens coastal infrastructure (ports, radar), increases erosion, affects livelihoods.
  • Affecting Infrastructure: Frequent storms disrupt patrolling/surveillance. (Source: IPCC, Ministry of Earth Sciences)

7.2.2 Multi-layered Coastal Security Mechanism

Post-26/11, India adopted a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to coastal and maritime security, involving multiple agencies with clear mandates.

Indian Navy

  • Overall Maritime Security: Lead agency for overall maritime, coastal & offshore security.
  • Blue Water Capability: Guarding broader IOR interests, deterrence, power projection.
  • Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Continuous surveillance to track all vessels.
  • Counter-Piracy: Active in Gulf of Aden operations. (Source: Indian Navy, MoD)

Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

  • Coastal Patrolling: Primary agency for surveillance/interdiction in territorial waters (up to 12 NM) & contiguous zone.
  • Search & Rescue (SAR): Nodal agency.
  • Pollution Response: Marine oil spill response.
  • Anti-Smuggling: Collaboration with Customs & DRI.
  • Coastal Surveillance: Uses ships, aircraft, shore radars. (Source: ICG, MoD)

Marine Police (State Police)

  • Jurisdiction: Territorial waters (up to 12 NM), law & order, crime prevention, intelligence.
  • Coastal Community Engagement: Crucial for building trust, human intelligence.
  • Training & Equipment: Enhanced via Coastal Security Scheme (Phase I & II). (Source: MHA)

Other Agencies

  • Customs: Anti-smuggling operations.
  • Fisheries Department: Regulates fishing, maritime security awareness.
  • Port Authorities (CISF): CISF provides security to major ports.

Technological Measures

  • Coastal Radar Chain: Static radars, electro-optic sensors for continuous surveillance.
  • Automatic Identification System (AIS) network: Mandates transponders for tracking vessels.
  • National Coastal Guard Network (NCGN): Integrates sensors, radars, databases for comprehensive maritime picture.

IFC-IOR

  • Purpose: Established by Indian Navy in Gurugram.
  • Role: Enhances MDA for entire IOR, information exchange with partner countries (20+ liaison officers). Compiles/disseminates maritime intelligence. (Source: Indian Navy)

7.2.3 Initiatives & Projects for Coastal Security

Coastal Security Scheme (Ph I & II)

  • Purpose: Centrally sponsored scheme for Marine Police training & equipping.
  • Provisions: Boats, jetties, police stations, vehicles, training for 12 NM patrolling.
  • Phase II: Ongoing, focusing on technology, equipment, training upgrades. (Source: MHA)

Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB)

  • Purpose: Specialized naval commando unit post-26/11.
  • Role: Force protection to naval assets, installations, vital areas/points along the coast.

National Committee for Strengthening Maritime & Coastal Security (NCSMCS)

  • Purpose: Apex committee under Cabinet Secretary.
  • Role: Reviews & strengthens coastal security mechanisms, ensures high-level inter-agency coordination.

Project Sagar Mala

  • Purpose: Flagship program by MoPSW for port-led development.
  • Implications for Security: Modernizing ports (better infra, CISF), developing coastal communities (reduced vulnerability), improving shipping (easier monitoring).

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Norms

  • Purpose: Regulates industrial/developmental activities to protect marine ecosystems.
  • Implications: Can challenge security infrastructure development, but vital for environment/sustainable development (indirectly aids security). (Source: MoEFCC)

Coastal Community Integration & Chirag Scheme

  • Purpose: Involve fishing/coastal communities as 'eyes and ears'.
  • Methods: Awareness programs, ID cards for fishermen, training on suspicious activities, skill development. (Source: ICG, State Police)

Inter-state & Centre-state Coordination

  • Role: Ensures seamless coordination among coastal states/UTs and central agencies (Navy, ICG, Customs, Marine Police, IB) for cross-jurisdictional threats. Involves joint exercises, regular meetings.

Summary Table: India's Coastal & Maritime Security

Aspect Key Challenges (Examples) Multi-layered Mechanism (Agencies) Key Initiatives (Schemes/Projects)
Coastline/Islands 7,516 km; Porosity, Vastness, Island remoteness Navy, ICG, Marine Police, Customs, CISF Coastal Security Scheme, Sagar Mala
Threats (General) Maritime Terrorism (26/11), Piracy, Smuggling, IUU Fishing, Cyber Threats Navy (MDA), ICG (Interdiction), Marine Police (LO), Tech (Radar, AIS) SPB, NCSMCS, IFC-IOR, CRZ norms
Community Factors Lack of awareness, Socio-economic vulnerability Marine Police (Engagement), Fisheries Dept. Community Integration, Chirag Scheme
Climate Change Sea level rise, Extreme weather (affecting infra) (Adaptation through infra resilience) (Long-term planning, sustainable development)

Prelims-ready Notes: Quick Recall

Key Facts

  • Coastline: 7,516 km (mainland + islands).
  • Maritime Terrorism (26/11 Mumbai Attacks).
  • Piracy (Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea).
  • Smuggling (arms, drugs, gold, FICN).
  • IUU Fishing.

Mechanism Highlights

  • Indian Navy: Overall maritime security (lead), Blue water, MDA.
  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG): Coastal patrolling (12 NM), SAR, Pollution, Anti-smuggling.
  • Marine Police (State): 12 NM jurisdiction, Law & Order, Community engagement.
  • Tech: Coastal Radar Chain, AIS, NCGN.
  • IFC-IOR: Regional MDA (Gurugram).

Initiatives & More

  • Coastal Security Scheme (Ph I & II): Boats, infra, training for Marine Police.
  • Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB): Naval commandos, asset protection.
  • NCSMCS: Apex committee for coordination.
  • Project Sagar Mala: Port-led dev, security implications.
  • Community Integration Prog./Chirag Scheme: Fishermen involvement.
  • Climate change (sea level rise, extreme weather) impacts.

Mains-ready Analytical Notes: Deep Dive

  • "Lead Agency" Debate: Optimizing command and control between Navy, ICG, and Marine Police.
  • Balancing Security with Economic Activities: Stringent regulations vs. coastal livelihoods and port operations.
  • Marine Police Capacity: Lack of adequate training, modern equipment, and manpower in many states.
  • Cybersecurity of Ports: Vulnerability of digitized ports, need for audits and public-private partnerships.
  • Role of Coastal Communities: Moving beyond 'eyes and ears' to active stakeholders by addressing grievances.
  • Post-26/11 Transformation: Overhaul from fragmented to multi-layered, integrated approach.
  • Increased Budgetary Allocation: Consistent increase for infrastructure, equipment, training.
  • Technological Shift: Greater reliance on radars, AIS, satellite surveillance for real-time MDA.
  • Emphasis on Inter-Agency Coordination: Continuous efforts via NCSMCS and joint exercises.
  • Shift from Reactive to Proactive: Focus on surveillance, intelligence, pre-emptive measures.
  • India's Indo-Pacific Vision: Coastal security integral to a free, open, secure maritime domain.
  • Blue Economy: Economic potential realizable only in a secure maritime environment.
  • Impact of Global Supply Chains: Vulnerability of maritime trade to disruptions (e.g., cyber attacks).
  • Climate Change Threat: Direct threat to coastal communities and infrastructure, demanding climate-resilient planning.
  • IFC-IOR Expansion (2022-23): Continued expansion of liaison officer network, enhancing regional MDA. (Source: Indian Navy)
  • Operation Samudra Gupta (NCB/Navy, 2023): Massive drug seizure in Arabian Sea, highlighting inter-agency cooperation against narco-trafficking. (Source: NCB, Indian Navy)
  • Coastal Security Exercises: Regular 'Sea Vigil' and 'Tropex' involve multiple agencies, testing inter-operability. (Source: Indian Navy)
  • Port Modernization under Sagar Mala: Security upgrades included in projects (e.g., Kandla, Paradip). (Source: MoPSW)
  • Cyber Attacks on Ports: Global incidents (e.g., South African ports) necessitate robust cybersecurity in India. (Source: CERT-In, global news)
  • SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region (India's Indo-Pacific vision).
  • National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project: Integrated surveillance network.
  • Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): Regional forum for naval cooperation.
  • Coastal Security Advisory Board (CSAB): State-level coordination body.
  • Deep Sea Policing: Need for Marine Police to extend reach beyond 12 NM.

Current Affairs & Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)

National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) Appointment (2022)

Appointment of India's first NMSC under NSCS to strengthen coordination among maritime agencies at the strategic level. (Source: Cabinet Secretariat, NSCS)

Indigenization Push for Naval Assets

Increased focus on indigenous construction of naval ships, submarines, and Coast Guard vessels under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', enhancing maritime self-reliance and security. (Source: Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy)

Exercise Sea Vigil 2022

India's largest coastal defence exercise, involving all coastal states/UTs and central agencies, demonstrating comprehensive coastal security preparedness. (Source: Indian Navy, PIB)

Multi-Agency Operations against Drug Smuggling

Continued joint operations by NCB, Navy, Coast Guard, and DRI, resulting in major drug seizures on maritime routes, highlighting effectiveness of integrated efforts. (Source: NCB, media)

Enhancement of Marine Police Stations

Ongoing upgrades and training for Marine Police stations under the Coastal Security Scheme, focusing on improving their infrastructure and operational capabilities. (Source: MHA)

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs:

UPSC CSE 2017:

What is the significance of the "Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)"?

Answer: (b)
Hint: IFC-IOR is explicitly designed for Maritime Domain Awareness and information sharing.

UPSC CSE 2016:

Which one of the following is the leading agency for maritime security in India?

Answer: (b)
Hint: The Indian Navy is the overall lead agency for maritime security, with ICG focusing on coastal areas.

UPSC CSE 2015:

India is vulnerable to drug trafficking due to its proximity to the 'Golden Crescent' and 'Golden Triangle' regions. Which of the following describes the impact of such drug trafficking on India?

  1. Fueling insurgency and terrorism.
  2. Spreading of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
  3. Social breakdown and youth addiction.
  4. Financial destabilization through money laundering.
Answer: (d)
Hint: Maritime routes are crucial for drug trafficking. This question covers the multi-faceted impact of a key challenge to coastal security.

Mains Questions:

UPSC CSE 2019 GS-III:

"Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several challenges confronting the effective management of India's border. Analyse the challenges in context of the effective management of India's borders."

Direction: This question explicitly asks for a broader analysis of border management, including maritime. A comprehensive answer should include coastal challenges like maritime terrorism (26/11), smuggling, and IUU fishing.

UPSC CSE 2017 GS-III:

"The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this menace?"

Direction: The 26/11 attacks directly highlight maritime terrorism. A comprehensive answer must include strengthening coastal and maritime security as a key solution against terrorism, detailing measures like multi-layered patrolling, technological surveillance, and community integration.

UPSC CSE 2021 GS-III:

"The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by terrorists for attacking the vital installations has emerged as a serious threat to the internal security of India. Discuss the challenges and suggest the measures to tackle this menace."

Direction: While primarily focused on land borders, UAVs can also be used in maritime contexts (e.g., surveillance of ports, remote island drops). The broader principle of tackling new technologies in security applies.

Trend Analysis: UPSC's Evolving Focus

Prelims Trends:

  • Post-26/11 Emphasis: Consistent focus on lessons and reforms.
  • Agency Mandates: Clear distinction of roles (Navy, ICG, Marine Police).
  • New Initiatives/Technologies: Schemes (Coastal Security Scheme, Sagar Mala), tech (CIBMS, Radar Chain, IFC-IOR).
  • Emerging Threats: Piracy, IUU fishing, cyber threats to maritime infra.

Mains Trends:

  • Multi-layered Approach: Holistic understanding of mechanisms and agency interplay.
  • Challenges and Gaps: Critical analysis (Marine Police, coordination, climate change, cyber threats).
  • Solutions and Way Forward: Emphasis on comprehensive strategies, tech, community integration.
  • Integration with Broader Security: How coastal security links to national security, Blue Economy, Indo-Pacific.
  • Real-world Examples: Linking to incidents (26/11), exercises (Sea Vigil), appointments (NMSC).

Original Practice Questions

Original MCQs for Prelims:

1. The "Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB)," often seen in the context of India's coastal security, is a specialized unit of:

Answer: (c)
Explanation: Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) is a specialized unit of naval commandos formed by the Indian Navy specifically for the force protection of its naval assets and vital points along the coast.

2. Which of the following is NOT a primary challenge to India's coastal and maritime security?

Answer: (c)
Explanation: While piracy is a challenge, it's primarily concentrated in the Gulf of Aden and parts of the Arabian Sea, not typically the Gulf of Bengal. The other options are direct challenges to India's coastal security.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains:

1. "The 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed critical vulnerabilities in India's coastal security. Discuss how this watershed event led to a comprehensive overhaul of India's coastal security architecture, critically evaluating the effectiveness of the multi-layered mechanism implemented since then."

Key Points/Structure: Introduction (26/11 as defining moment). Vulnerabilities Exposed. Comprehensive Overhaul (Multi-layered Mechanism, Tech, Capacity, Specialized Units, Coordination, Community Integration). Effectiveness (Successes & Persistent Gaps/Challenges). Conclusion.

2. "India's long coastline, while a strategic asset, is increasingly vulnerable to diverse threats ranging from traditional smuggling to contemporary cyber attacks on maritime infrastructure. Analyze these evolving challenges and discuss how Project Sagar Mala and broader 'Blue Economy' initiatives can synergistically contribute to both maritime security and sustainable coastal development."

Key Points/Structure: Introduction (Coastline as asset/vulnerability). Evolving Challenges (Traditional & Contemporary - Cyber Attacks, Maritime Terrorism, Climate Change, Narco-terrorism). Synergy of Project Sagar Mala & Blue Economy with Security & Development. Contribution to Security. Contribution to Development. Conclusion.