The Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S.) is often regarded as the backbone of India’s bureaucratic framework. However, its overarching influence across various sectors has also led to resistance against the creation of specialized services, such as the Indian Maritime Service (I.M.S.). The establishment of the I.M.S. is crucial for India’s maritime governance, yet it faces significant bureaucratic hurdles, largely due to the vested interests of the I.A.S.
India, with a coastline stretching over 7,500 km, is a major maritime nation. The country’s ports handle about 95% of its trade by volume and 68% by value. Despite this, maritime administration remains fragmented, lacking specialized leadership to address key issues such as port modernization, coastal security, and blue economy expansion. The proposed I.M.S. would bring in domain experts to handle maritime affairs efficiently, similar to how the Indian Revenue Service (I.R.S.) manages taxation or the Indian Foreign Service (I.F.S.) oversees diplomacy.
The I.A.S. has traditionally maintained control over most administrative functions in India, including those related to the maritime sector. Presently, key positions in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways are occupied by I.A.S. officers who often lack specialized knowledge of maritime governance. Their generalist approach limits long-term strategic planning, as they are frequently transferred between departments without in-depth sectoral expertise.
The reluctance to establish an I.M.S. stems from the I.A.S.’s dominance over policymaking. If a dedicated maritime service were created, it would reduce the I.A.S.’s influence in an area that is becoming increasingly important to India’s economic and strategic ambitions. This resistance is not new—similar opposition was seen when domain-specific services like the Indian Corporate Law Service (I.C.L.S.) and Indian Economic Service (I.E.S.) were introduced.
The pushback from the I.A.S. manifests in several ways:
• Delaying Policy Decisions – Proposals for a specialized maritime service have been discussed for decades but have seen little progress due to bureaucratic inertia.
• Lack of Political Will – Since I.A.S. officers hold influential advisory positions in government, they can shape narratives against creating a parallel service.
• Dilution of Maritime Expertise – The absence of a dedicated service results in a piecemeal approach to maritime issues, with policies often being short-term and reactive rather than strategic and proactive.
Countries with significant maritime interests, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and China, have specialized maritime administrative bodies. India, despite its vast coastline and ambitions to become a global maritime hub, lacks such an institutional framework.
For India to truly harness its maritime potential, the creation of the I.M.S. is imperative. The government must recognize that a specialized service will enhance, rather than undermine, administrative efficiency. Overcoming bureaucratic resistance will require strong political will, advocacy from industry stakeholders, and public awareness about the benefits of maritime specialization.
The I.A.S. must adapt to the evolving needs of governance and allow space for specialized services like the I.M.S. to thrive. India’s maritime future depends on it.
Marex Media
