First meeting of the Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG)
Recently, the National Security Advisor (NSA) has said that without a strong maritime security system, India will not be able to become the power it deserves.
The National Security Advisor was addressing the inaugural meeting of the Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG).
During this, he highlighted the possibilities of increasing competition and conflict of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The meeting was attended by all 13 coastal states and union territories, Indian Navy and various central agencies. It was chaired by the National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC).
NMSC is responsible for coordination between all agencies involved in maritime security and maritime civil issues.
Importance of Maritime Security for India:
It is necessary to protect the Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs). This is because more than 70 per cent of Indian trade (by value) including vital crude oil is carried through the sea.
Maritime security is also necessary to deal with the following threats:
- Piracy, illegal immigration, arms smuggling, terrorist attacks, environmental disasters etc.
- Maritime security is also necessary to prevent accumulation in order to prevent the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region.
Key initiatives taken by India in this context –
- The vision of the Prime Minister ‘SAGAR’ – Security for All and Growth for all is being implemented in the region.
- Colombo Security Conclave is organized for cooperation in the maritime sector. India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius are its members.
- India is also playing a role in maritime cooperation through multilateral fora like Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) etc.
- The Navy’s fleet including submarines, aircraft carriers etc. is being modernised.
Security And Growth for All in the Region- SAGAR
- The SAGAR program was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius in 2015 to focus on the blue economy.
- Through this program, India is also trying to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
- The main principle of this program; Respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries, sensitivity to each other’s interests, peaceful resolution of maritime issues and enhancement of maritime cooperation, etc.
Source – The Hindu
