QUE : Assess the challenges, impacts and recommended measures regarding drone attacks on merchant ships in the Indian Ocean.

 Recently, an armed drone attacked a merchant ship, MV Chem Pluto, in the Indian Ocean. As the third largest ocean in the world, the Indian Ocean covers over 19.8 percent of the Earth’s surface. These attacks on commercial shipping pose serious challenges to maritime security.

•  Challenges to Maritime Security
  

•  India, with its vast coastline of over 7,500 km and strategic location in the Indian Ocean, faces various maritime security challenges.
  
•  Lack of technology: Effective anti-drone technologies such as jamming and spooking are not widely available. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles need to be adopted in security measures.
  
•  Coalition dynamics: Disagreements within international coalitions, which complicate Operation Prosperity and integrated responses by nations.
  
• Traditional risks: Restricted freedom of navigation (India-Sri Lankan fishermen issue), Chinese bullying (String of Pearls policy), etc.
  
•  Non-traditional risks: Terrorism (26/11 attacks), piracy, drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal migration and climate change related risks (cyclones, tsunamis, etc.).
  
•  Infrastructure deficiencies: Limited infrastructure capacities in terms of coastal surveillance, communication systems and logistics pose challenges
  
•  Impacts of drone attacks on merchant ships in the Indian Ocean

•  Regional security concerns: Drone attacks near Porbandar raise the specter of a new, unforeseen threat in the maritime regions, which signals an urgent security reassessment.
  
•  Impact on navigation and commerce: Attacks threaten commercial shipping lanes, leading to widespread economic impacts and are a concern for maritime security.
  
•  Steps taken by the world and India for maritime security and future directions
  

•  Enhancing cooperation: India is actively participating in regional and international maritime security initiatives by collaborating with countries like the US, Japan and France. e.g. G-20 meeting on maritime domain.
  
•  Strengthening international cooperation and intelligence sharing: Better intelligence gathering and sharing among maritime security agencies is critical for proactive threat detection and prevention.
  
•  Investment in technology: Investment in advanced technologies such as anti-drone technology such as jamming, spooking, satellite and artificial intelligence can enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
  
•  Developing Infrastructure: Upgrading coastal infrastructure including ports and communication networks is essential for effective functioning of maritime security. E.g. Development of Ports
  
•  Modernization of Indian Navy: The Indian Navy is the most powerful navy in the region with a growing fleet of modern warships, submarines and aircraft. Its capabilities need to be enhanced. E.g. INS Vikrant
  
•  Establishment of Indian Coast Guard: Patrols the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the territorial waters and is tasked with combating smuggling, piracy and illegal fishing.

•  Regular Training and Adaptation: Naval forces need continuous training in counter-drone strategies

•  And strategies, traditional anti-piracy measures and capacity building of fishermen should be developed to address the evolving maritime security landscape.

                               India’s maritime security landscape is constantly evolving, hence the need for adequate preparedness with its growing stature in geopolitics. By continuously adapting to new threats, investing in technology and infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation, India can ensure the safety and security of its maritime domain.