Pratik Bijlani –
The line between maritime security, commercial shipping and technology is becoming increasingly blurred. That reality was brought into sharp focus at the joint seminar “Fostering Maritime Co-operation between Seafaring Communities”, held on 30 September at the Agastya Auditorium, INHS Asvini, Mumbai. Jointly organised by the Maritime Warfare Centre (Mumbai), The Nautical Institute India (West Branch) and the Indian Maritime Foundation, the seminar brought serving and retired naval officers, Master Mariners and maritime professionals together to examine the challenges confronting India’s maritime domain.
The discussions ranged from maritime security and international law to energy, trade and strategic sea lanes, with particular attention on vulnerable chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. Yet the gathering was also about looking beyond immediate security concerns towards the technological and operational changes reshaping shipping. The programme examined the transition towards the IHO S-100 navigation standard, artificial intelligence and the growing importance of cooperation between naval and merchant-maritime communities.
Setting the tone, Cmde Ajay Chitnis, President of the Indian Maritime Foundation, highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between the Indian Navy and Merchant Navy, particularly in ensuring the safety of seafarers. The idea of partnership was reinforced by Capt Zarir Irani, Vice President of The Nautical Institute Head Office, who pointed out that most Indian seafarers serve aboard foreign-flag vessels, making their protection a challenge that extends well beyond the Indian fleet. “Most Indian seafarers serve aboard foreign-flag vessels, so protecting our seafarers means looking beyond the Indian flag. We must examine whether naval escorts, supported by diplomatic engagement and practical security arrangements, can safeguard Indian nationals in high-risk waters and conflict,” Capt Irani said.
In his keynote, Cmde Asheem Mital, Director of the Maritime Warfare Centre, described the maritime ecosystem as increasingly interconnected, with conflicts, piracy, drones, unmanned systems, cyber warfare and disruptions to strategic routes presenting challenges to both national security and global commerce. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, evacuation operations and protection of merchant shipping, while calling for greater information-sharing and coordinated action across maritime agencies. “The maritime community must work together to confront conflicts, disasters and emerging technologies. Stronger cooperation between the Merchant Navy, Navy, Coast Guard and other maritime agencies will help strengthen our collective response and contribute more substantially to national efforts effectively,” Cmde Mital said.
The first technical session brought the discussion firmly into the operational realm. Capt Varun Panicker, Commanding Officer of INS Mormugao, outlined the complexities of protecting commercial shipping during the Persian Gulf and Hormuz crisis, including dense traffic, restricted manoeuvrability, anti-ship missiles, drones, mines and GPS denial or spoofing. Cmde (Prof) SL Deshmukh, NM (Retd.), meanwhile, examined the impact of geopolitical instability on India’s trade and energy security and called for diversified suppliers, alternative routes and stronger strategic preparedness. Capt. Kapildev Bahl explored the implications of attacks on merchant vessels through the lens of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.
The second session then moved from India’s maritime past, its present, then into its technological future. Cmde M Doraibabu presented the proposed National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal as a means of preserving the country’s maritime legacy. Capt Kamalaksha V. Kamath examined the transition from S-57 to the more advanced S-100 framework, highlighting new data layers, dynamic updates and improved interoperability, while stressing the need for upgraded equipment, crew training and revised procedures.
Closing the discussion, Chief Engineer Atharva Girish Kotwal outlined practical applications for AI in fuel and fleet intelligence, engineering troubleshooting, port documentation and environmental and commercial decision-making. His approach centred on using existing operational data to support crews and managers without replacing human judgement, with governance, cybersecurity and validation remaining essential.
The seminar ultimately demonstrated that the future of maritime security cannot be separated from the people, technology and commercial systems that sustain India’s maritime economy.
From naval coordination in conflict zones to smarter navigation and AI-assisted decision-making, the common thread was collaboration. As the maritime domain grows more contested and technologically complex, the relationship between those who operate ships and those who protect the seas around them will become increasingly important to keeping India’s seafarers, trade and strategic interests secure.
Marex Media