- Recently, India has proposed to convene an open debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on enhancing maritime security.
- The objective of this debate is to highlight effective international maritime cooperation to respond holistically to natural and manmade threats to maritime security.
- It also reflects India’s international evolution as a maritime nation.
Important points:
- With a coastline of over 7,500 km, India has a natural interest in enhancing maritime security.
- In the Indian Ocean, three major Sea Lanes Of Communication (SLOCS) play a crucial role in the energy security and economic prosperity:
- SLOC connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Bab al-Mandab (that transports the bulk of Asia’s international trade with its major trading partners in Europe and America),
- SLOC connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Hormuz (transporting the bulk of energy exports to major import destinations like India, ASEAN, and East Asia),
- SLOC connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans through the Straits of Malacca (integral to the smooth flow of trade with ASEAN, East Asia, Russia’s Far East and the US).
- The Indian Ocean region transports 75% of the world’s maritime trade and 50% of daily global oil consumption.
Way Forward
- Sustaining international cooperation to enhance maritime security requires two supportive frameworks in the policy and operational areas.
There is a need to review the operational effectiveness of the UNCLOS.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT