At a recent UN Security Council Open Debate, India advocated for greater international collaboration to bolster maritime security, emphasizing its central role in global stability and economic growth. India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted the importance of maritime security, particularly in the face of emerging threats and geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific region.
India views maritime security and counter-terrorism as crucial components of its national security and economic interests. This perspective is underpinned by a multifaceted strategy that combines robust defense capabilities, regional diplomacy, international cooperation, and the development of domestic infrastructure. India's approach is continually evolving to address new challenges and geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
India, with its extensive coastline, large seafaring community, and capable maritime forces, is actively fulfilling its role as a responsible maritime power, safeguarding its interests and addressing emerging threats. India's maritime security strategy is broad, addressing both traditional threats from state actors and non-traditional threats such as piracy, smuggling, illegal migration, unregulated fishing, maritime incidents, hybrid threats, and maritime terrorism.
India is committed to promoting a free, open, and rules-based maritime order, adhering to the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India believes that all states should resolve maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law. Inclusiveness and cooperation are key principles in India's maritime approach.
India has been actively involved in numerous maritime security missions and joint naval exercises with various partners at regional and global levels. These efforts focus on countering non-traditional threats like piracy, natural disasters, and illicit maritime activities that affect regional peace and security. In response to increased shipping attacks and piracy in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed over 35 ships, conducted over 1,000 boarding operations, and responded to over 30 incidents, saving over 520 lives and escorting 312 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth billions of dollars.
India actively engages in Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region. During September 2024, India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar following floods caused by Typhoon Yagi.
India's commitment to maritime security is also reflected in its capacity-building initiatives aimed at tackling contemporary security challenges and strengthening maritime combat capabilities, strategic planning, and governance. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which promotes safety and cooperation in the seas and can be applied globally.
India's proactive role extends to collaborations with other nations, such as France, to enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. These collaborations aim to counter illicit maritime activities, including piracy, armed robbery, maritime terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, cyber security threats, and marine pollution.
At the UNSC debate, India highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that respecting the UN Charter and international law, as reflected in UNCLOS, is crucial for preserving maritime security. India's call for enhanced global cooperation underscores its commitment to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment, which is essential for global economic growth and security.
