Q19. In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?

Model Answer:

Introduction

In 2012, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) expanded the longitudinal boundary of high-risk piracy areas in the Arabian Sea from 65°E to 78°E. This shift brought these high-risk zones closer to India's western coast, heightening India's maritime security concerns. The redefined boundary underscores the need for enhanced vigilance, as piracy and other security threats near India's territorial waters have potential economic, strategic, and security implications.

Body

Impacts on India’s Maritime Security Concerns

• Increased Threat to Commercial Shipping: India’s busy maritime routes, essential for energy imports and trade, are more vulnerable to piracy. Expanded high-risk zones mean Indian vessels and international shipping traffic near India are at a greater risk of hijacking, theft, and disruption.
• Strain on Naval Resources: India’s navy and coast guard now need to patrol larger areas, stretching resources to monitor and protect vessels. Increased deployments add to operational costs and require advanced surveillance and anti-piracy measures.
• Economic Implications: Shipping costs in high-risk zones often rise due to increased insurance premiums, security measures, and rerouting. These costs affect India’s trade and logistics sectors, impacting the economy, especially in energy imports.
• Threat to Offshore Assets: High-risk zones near India’s offshore oil fields and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) increase vulnerabilities to sabotage and attack. These assets are critical to India’s energy security, making their protection a priority.
• Regional Security Stability: Proximity to high-risk areas could lead to increased illegal activities, such as smuggling and human trafficking. This poses broader security challenges, necessitating collaboration with regional partners for maritime stability.

Strategies to Address These Concerns

• Enhanced Naval Capabilities: Invest in modernising the navy and coast guard with advanced surveillance, anti-piracy equipment, and faster response vessels.
• International Cooperation: Strengthen partnerships with countries and organisations like the IMO to share intelligence, coordinate patrols, and support anti-piracy missions in the region.
• Improved Security Protocols for Commercial Shipping: Encourage Indian and foreign vessels in high-risk areas to adopt best management practices, including armed security personnel, increased lookout, and safe passage corridors.
• Bolster Coastal Surveillance: Develop a robust coastal monitoring system, integrating radar, satellite, and aerial surveillance to track and respond to potential piracy threats efficiently.

Conclusion

‍The IMO’s expansion of high-risk piracy zones in the Arabian Sea brings critical maritime security challenges for India. Protecting shipping routes, safeguarding offshore assets, and maintaining regional stability require a coordinated response combining naval readiness, international cooperation, and proactive security measures. Strengthening these efforts will be essential to securing India’s maritime interests and ensuring safe navigation in the Arabian Sea.

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