New India’s Increasing Power to Safeguard its Maritime Borders

India’s vast coastline spanning approximately 7,516 kilometers is guarded to protect its sea borders. With over 1,200 islands and a maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometers, India’s naval forces, comprising 130 warships and 235 aircraft, maintain a vigilant presence. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard operates 156 ships and 62 aircraft, actively patrolling and safeguarding India’s territorial waters. These robust capabilities, along with maritime surveillance systems and strategic partnerships, contribute to India’s efforts in securing its sea borders.

The Modi government has displayed unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s sea borders and combating threats such as insurgency, smuggling, and drug trafficking. With its focus on maritime security, the government has implemented robust policies and initiatives to ensure the protection of coastal areas. Under the Sagarmala project, over 200 projects have been approved to enhance port infrastructure and coastal security. Additionally, the government has bolstered the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard, expanding its fleet and improving surveillance systems. As a result, there has been a significant increase in successful counterinsurgency operations, seizures of narcotics, and prevention of smuggling activities, showcasing the government’s dedication to securing India’s maritime borders.

The Modi government has made substantial efforts to empower the Indian Navy, reinforcing its capabilities across maritime borders. Several new ships have been commissioned, enhancing the navy’s operational reach and strength. Notable additions include INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai, INS Surat & INS Udaygiri which are indigenously built stealth destroyers. Additionally, INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, and INS Kiltan, are anti-submarine warfare corvettes, bolstering the navy’s underwater capabilities.

The government has also focused on equipping the navy with advanced weapons systems. The acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles has significantly bolstered India’s anti-ship and land-attack capabilities. Recently, Indian Navy test fired BrahMos supersonic missile from INS Mormugao demonstrating Indian navy’s firepower at sea.

Moreover, the deployment of P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft has augmented the navy’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, enhancing situational awareness at sea.

In terms of defense technologies, the Modi government has fostered indigenization through initiatives such as the “Make in India” campaign. The successful development of the INS Arihant, India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, is a testament to this endeavour. Commissioning of submarine INS Vagir The navy has also benefited from the implementation of new radars, including the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system, which provides enhanced air defense capabilities.

Indra’s Lanza 3D radar continues to strengthen itself as one of the most advanced surveillance systems on the market and continues its international expansion. Indra is currently installing its naval version, Lanza-N 3D, on one of the Indian Navy’s destroyer ships, beginning the delivery of the 23 radars that it will provide to the Indian Navy over the next decade.

This milestone is part of the contract signed by the company in 2020 with the Indian company TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), within the framework of a technology transfer program. This provides for the delivery by Indra of a total of three complete radars, plus the core elements of its system for another 20 radars, destined for ships, which TASL will complete and integrate locally. To them is added an additional reference radar to support this technology transfer during the additional maintenance period of 12 and a half years.

The indigenous fighter aircraft successfully took off and landed on the aircraft carrier’s flight deck as part of sea trials. The first test landing of Tejas aircraft on INS Vikrant was a major leap in success of made-in India defence equipment in safeguarding its own maritime borders.

Coastal Surveillance System: An imperative part of CSS is the radar system. According to DRDO which created the Coastal Surveillance Radar, “It’ll be the primary sensor for Integrated Coastal Surveillance System (ICSS). It is capable of detecting sub 20-meter boats such as county boats, dinghies and fishing vessels in heavy sea clutter environment in all weather conditions.” This will ensure, the enemy cannot execute another Mumbai attack on Indian soil, ever. The radar is capable of operating 24×7. It has networking facilities to operate either remotely or locally, also it has advanced tracking algorithms to track up to 1500 sea surface targets. After its completion, The Indian coastline will be under the surveillance of 104 radar stations which will be one of the largest of such networks with radar stations extended to other friendly countries. CSS will then be a game changer for the Indian Ocean Region.

Apart from equipment, the training of security personnels is also very much necessary for maritime security. To strengthen the naval force, the government has increased recruitment and training of sailors. Initiatives such as the “Naval Udaan” have been launched to encourage young individuals to join the navy. Additionally, the Modi government has prioritised the formulation of new strategies and doctrines to adapt to evolving maritime security challenges, such as the “Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Vision 2025” and the “Maritime Security Strategy.”

In 2018, Prime Minister Modi approved National Academy for Coastal Policing at a cost of 470 crores where 12000 coastal police personnels from across the country will be trained in Okha which will prevent any attack like 2008 Mumbai terror attack due to well trained coastal security forces. In four years, 100% training of all personnels will be completed.

“The policy of maritime security has been adopted by the government led by PM Modi to make the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs and fishermen a complete ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ of security ring for India” said Home Minister Amit Shah.

The coastal security policy includes coordination and communication in the matter of coastal security and intelligence, joint coastal patrols by setting protocols for patrolling at fixed time intervals, security of fishermen, giving more than 10 lakh Aadhaar cards with QR codes to fishermen, ensuring security arrangements at 1,537 fish leading points and security at all fishing harbours built for Blue Economy. Adding all these will make the fort impregnable for coastal security across maritime borders of India.

Overall, the Modi government’s commitment to empowering the Indian Navy with new ships, advanced weaponry, cutting-edge technologies, well-trained personnel, and strategic initiatives has significantly enhanced India’s maritime capabilities and safeguarded its interests across maritime borders during its Amrit Kaal.