In a global world where oceans serve as lifelines for trade, energy, and security, India is at a crossroads. With a 7,500-kilometer coastline and a massive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), India’s marine interests are extensive and diverse. However, a separate maritime service is critical for efficiently managing and safeguarding these interests. This article articulates the urgent need for India to develop a specialised maritime service, similar to the Indian Maritime Service (IMS), to negotiate the difficulties and capitalise on the prospects of the marine realm.
India’s marine domain is more than just a geographical extension; it is an area of enormous strategic, economic, and geopolitical importance. The waters surrounding India serve as commercial highways, supporting more than 90% of the country’s trade volume. Furthermore, as the Blue Economy gains traction, more people recognise the oceans’ promise as a source of long-term economic growth, renewable energy, and marine resources. To take advantage of these prospects, marine governance, security, and diplomacy must be prioritised.
Despite its maritime prominence, India faces numerous obstacles in efficiently administering its marine domain. Fragmentation and overlap amongst current marine entities frequently result in inefficiencies and coordination gaps. Furthermore, marine dangers such as piracy, illicit fishing, smuggling, and maritime terrorism continue, necessitating a more coordinated and aggressive approach to maritime security. Furthermore, issues such as environmental deterioration, marine accidents, and regulatory compliance highlight the necessity for a specialised maritime service capable of addressing these challenges holistically.
The development of IMS emerges as a strategic priority, ready to confront the multifaceted difficulties and seize the opportunities given by India’s maritime domain. IMS would develop a cadre of professionals with specialised knowledge and abilities in maritime matters, including maritime law and security, navigation, environmental preservation, and diplomacy. This specialised knowledge is required for efficiently managing and regulating maritime activities.
By acting as a unified maritime organisation, IMS would improve coordination among diverse maritime players, such as the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, port authorities, and maritime regulatory agencies. This unified strategy would improve operating efficiency, promote information exchange, and allow for a more efficient response to maritime threats and emergencies.
IMS would play an important role in developing institutional capacity for maritime governance and security. IMS would improve India’s ability to enforce maritime rules and regulations, protect marine assets and resources, and promote sustainable maritime development by investing in training, research, and infrastructure.
IMS officials, who have specialised maritime experience, will represent India’s interests in international maritime forums, discussions, and collaborations. This diplomatic engagement would not only strengthen India’s marine dominance, but would also encourage cooperation and partnerships with other maritime nations.
To summarise, the foundation of the Indian Maritime Service is not only a strategic requirement, but also a bold move towards realising India’s nautical potential. IMS would not only protect India’s maritime interests, but would also position India as a prominent maritime force in the twenty-first century. As India starts on this nautical journey, the establishment of IMS serves as a beacon, guiding the country to a future of prosperity, security, and global maritime leadership.
Marex Media