India’s new vision for maritime security is comprehensively articulated in Ensuring Secure Seas: Indian Maritime Security Strategy, a 2015 document by the Indian Navy.
This document clarifies that the Indian Navy’s interest areas now cover the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, IOR Island nations, Southwest Indian Ocean and East Coast of Africa littoral countries among many other nations and areas. The South China Sea, East China Sea and Western Pacific Ocean and their littoral nations are included in the Indian Navy’s secondary priority areas.
The document highlights some key facets of the nautical dynamic in India’s maritime neighbourhood:
One, it acknowledges the hybrid nature of maritime challenges – the blurring of lines between traditional and non-traditional threats.
Two, it validates the use of the Navy as the primary instrument to secure the seas for economic purposes.
Equally, the document recognises India’s bilateral relationships in its maritime neighbourhood – a space where the Navy must operate in the spirit of mutual respect and with due regard for international law and established nautical norms.
Recommendations for External Threat
To adopt a practical strategic defence plan and military measures to overcome ground reality.
Like the defence policy and security policy should be practical which can be implemented. In formulating the policies, the past history of victory and defeat, as also lessons learnt be studied and incorporated so that there are no gaps.
To maintain cordial relations with neighboring countries, at regional level and international level is a must.
To develop diplomatic and international pressure against our adversaries.
To develop our prestige by having a representative in the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and in international Court of justice (I C J) etc. Basic need for India’s National Security Doctrine in this century. It can be met by the following aspects -
National security programme be launched.
Strategic defence plan be prepared.
India to study probability of nuclear war.
India should understand its neighboring countries and their situation.
National Security doctrine is bound to change with the changing international strategy and security environment.
To gain information about foreign power, intelligence plans, policies and activities.
The national security doctrine should be based on current strategic international environment.
