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Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

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Global Initiatives

The Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) Convention has been instrumental in combating terrorism at sea. Additionally, regional initiatives such as coordinated patrols aim to enhance maritime security.

Key Regional Initiatives:

  • CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol): Conducted by the Indian Navy to enhance maritime security
  • Other regional initiatives: Focused on improving cooperation and information sharing among regional actors

Regional Developments in India

India has taken a proactive approach to combating maritime terrorism, establishing various agencies and initiatives, including:

Key Agencies and Initiatives:

  • Information Fusion Centre (IFC): Aims to enhance information sharing and coordination
  • Biometric cards for fishermen: Helps track and verify the identity of fishermen
  • National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS): Focuses on improving maritime security through a multi-agency approach
  • National Maritime Commission: Regulates and oversees maritime activities in India
  • Act East policy and SAGAR initiative: Aim to promote economic growth and stability in the region

India has also provided naval assets to island nations in the IOR, demonstrating its commitment to regional cooperation.

Key Deployments:

  • Integrated Underwater Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS): Enhances India’s underwater surveillance capabilities

Regional Partnerships

Regional actors are coming together to combat maritime terrorism. Notable partnerships include:

Collaboration with Singapore:

  • Maritime Crisis Centre (SMCC): An effective agency that collaborates with other maritime agencies to combat terrorist attacks

Trilateral Agreement in the Malacca Strait Region:

  • Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia: Signed an agreement to combat maritime terrorism in their shared waters

India-Philippines Bilateral Agreement:

  • Ensures maritime security between the two nations

International Support

The international community has also taken steps to combat maritime terrorism. Notable efforts include:

US Operation Enduring Freedom Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA):

  • Combats maritime terrorism in the region

Challenges Ahead

Developing countries in the IOR face significant challenges, including:

Limited Capacity:

  • Lack of proper intelligence facilities and data collection methods
  • Limited expertise in counter-terrorism

Evolving Threats:

  • Rapidly evolving technologies used by terrorist organizations