#CoastalSecurity – Maritime History Society

“We do this job because every once in a while, someone is out there without hope, desperately praying for their life, and we get to be the answer.” ― Coast Guard (U.S.)

Uma Kabe, (Project Research Associate, Maritime History Society)

The Indian Coast Guard is recognised as the maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over the Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). India primarily has three layered security – the Coastal Police monitor the Coastal waters up to 5 miles, and the Indian Coast Guard in collaboration with the Indian Navy (IN) monitor the maritime zones up to the EEZ and beyond as mandated in their charter. All these three agencies work in close cooperation to secure the vast coastline of the country. Operating under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Indian Coast Guard was established on the 1^stof February 1977 as an interim law enforcement agency safeguarding the Indian Coasts with two small corvettes and five patrol boats handed over from the IN.[1] Later on 18 August 1978, the passing of the Coast Guard Act indicated a formal go-ahead from the Parliament for the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard as the duties and the functions of the service were also codified in the Act Continue reading “Ready..Relevant..Responsive” →

By Krishna Kataria, Project Research Associate, Maritime History Society (MHS)

“Nature has ensured that India’s geographic configuration makes her as reliant on the seas as any island nation. Geopolitical imperatives have in the recent past served to confirm the importance of the maritime domain in our national security matrix.”\

– Adm Arun Prakash (Retd) [Indian Naval Despatch, Winter 2020]

Throughout history, the maritime domain has been a crucial space in establishing new and emerging powers shaping regional dynamics. India’s maritime strategy represents the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. The opening up of economies, growing seaborne trade, and the seamless connectivity in the maritime sector conveys India’s emerging role in maritime domain. As emphasized by K.M Panikkar, “It is the geographical position of India that changes the character of the Indian Ocean.” By the 21st century, Indian Navy’s global maritime outlook has become palpable in terms of trade, connectivity and security dynamics. Against this backdrop, the maritime strategy of India reflects the country’s maritime aspirations.

Continue reading “Rewiring India’s Maritime Leadership” →