India’s Maritime Challenges in the 21st Century

Abstract

India is progressing rapidly as an economic power its natural endowments like strategic location, rich mineral resources and a large industrious and hardy population, befit her for great power status. The maritime security environment in India’s coastline continues to be fragile. Maritime security is an issue of significant relevance when the economy of both countries is on constant rise. Ensuring stable maritime environment would hold the key to further economic progress and reflect to their standing among the economic powers of the world. Proper coordination between the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the police forces also holds the key to meeting the maritime challenges facing the country in the twenty-first century. Also the Indian maritime forces comprising of Navy and Coast Guard need to redefine their role in consonant with the changing scenario. Since the threat to maritime security is transnational in character and has its implication to global security, only collective actions will be successful in providing real protection. The international community is just awakening to the challenge and has not yet developed sophisticated mechanisms to protect maritime trade from terrorism. If coordination among the internal agencies is important then international maritime cooperation also holds the key to ensuring maritime security that serves the interests of all nations. Its coast guard Army is large, disciplined, battle tested and renowned throughout the world for its professional quality.