On October 24, 2023, India asserted its commitment to maritime security and counterterrorism at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate, emphasizing their importance to national security and economic interests. Parvathaneni Harish, India’s permanent representative to the UN, articulated a multifaceted strategy that integrates strong defense capabilities, regional diplomacy, international partnerships, and domestic infrastructure development to adapt to evolving threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Harish underscored India’s proactive maritime policies, citing the country’s extensive coastline and its capable naval forces as pivotal in asserting its role as a responsible maritime power. He outlined India’s significant efforts to combat piracy, highlighting the deployment of over 35 naval ships in the Arabian Sea, performing more than 1,000 boarding operations, responding to 30 piracy incidents, and undertaking successful rescues that saved 520 lives. Furthermore, India has escorted 312 merchant vessels, securing cargo worth billions of dollars.
The ambassador noted India’s active participation in search and rescue operations and humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintaining maritime security. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks during a UNSC debate in August 2021, reaffirming the critical nature of maritime security.
India’s geographical advantages include a coastline exceeding 7,000 kilometers, fostering both trade and the necessity for vigilant maritime security. However, challenges, particularly from China’s expanding influence and military presence in the Indian Ocean—illustrated by strategic bases in Sri Lanka and Pakistan—pose significant threats to regional stability. As part of collective efforts to promote a “Free and open Indo-Pacific,” India collaborates with allies like the United States, Japan, and Australia to counteract these growing challenges.
The Indian Navy’s capabilities include submarines, surface combatants, and operational aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The navy’s historical significance is highlighted by its impactful role in past conflicts, notably during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
Additionally, the Sagarmala Project aims to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure, further ensuring economic viability alongside robust security. Harish acknowledged India’s historical naval prowess, dating back to ancient maritime expeditions during the Chola dynasty, which underscores an enduring legacy of maritime engagement.
In conclusion, India is positioned as a key player in maritime security through a comprehensive strategy that balances defense, diplomacy, and development while addressing the complexities of contemporary geopolitical threats.
