Roadmap for Answer Writing To craft a comprehensive answer to the question, follow this roadmap: 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Highlight its significance in demonstrating vulnerabilities in even highly fortified borders. 2. Body A. Preparedness for Unconventional Threats Discuss how Hamas ...
Model Answer Introduction India, with a coastline exceeding 7,500 km and its pivotal location in the Indian Ocean, faces numerous maritime security challenges. These challenges are growing in importance due to the global relevance of maritime trade, energy transport, and regional geopolitics. MaritiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India, with a coastline exceeding 7,500 km and its pivotal location in the Indian Ocean, faces numerous maritime security challenges. These challenges are growing in importance due to the global relevance of maritime trade, energy transport, and regional geopolitics.
Maritime Security Challenges in India:
Terrorism and Piracy
India’s porous maritime borders are susceptible to terrorist infiltration, exemplified by the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where terrorists exploited vulnerabilities along the Arabian Sea. Piracy originating from the Gulf of Aden also threatens shipping routes near India’s western coast.
Illegal Trafficking
Smuggling of contraband, arms, and human trafficking via maritime routes is a persistent problem. Areas like the Sundarbans Delta and Palk Strait between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka are hotspots for such illicit activities.
Border Disputes
India’s maritime boundaries are contested in certain regions, such as the Sir Creek dispute with Pakistan and the Katchatheevu Island dispute with Sri Lanka, which exacerbate geopolitical tensions.
Natural Disasters
Cyclones and tsunamis pose significant risks to India’s coastline, as demonstrated by Cyclone Amphan (2020) and the 2004 Tsunami, which affected eastern states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Initiatives to Improve Maritime Security
Organizational
India has developed a robust three-tier security system, consisting of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was also established to enhance real-time information sharing.
Technical
Advanced satellite surveillance systems such as ISRO’s Rukmini and GSAT-7A, along with radar and Automated Identification Systems (AIS), have been deployed to monitor coastal activities effectively.
Procedural
Coastal security exercises are regularly conducted to ensure inter-agency coordination. Additionally, biometric ID cards for fishermen are issued to prevent illegal activities and infiltration.
Conclusion
India’s maritime security challenges are diverse and complex, necessitating comprehensive responses. Through organizational, technical, and procedural innovations, India has strengthened its maritime security framework, but continuous efforts are required to keep pace with evolving threats.
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Model Answer Preparedness for Unconventional Threats Hamas utilized innovative and unconventional methods, such as drones, paragliders, motorcycles, and tunnels, to bypass Israel's advanced security systems. India, facing threats in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, must prepare forRead more
Model Answer
Preparedness for Unconventional Threats
Hamas utilized innovative and unconventional methods, such as drones, paragliders, motorcycles, and tunnels, to bypass Israel’s advanced security systems. India, facing threats in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, must prepare for similar tactics. Strengthening counter-infiltration measures against tunnel networks and low-tech attacks is crucial.
Balancing Technology with Human Intelligence
Israel’s heavy reliance on advanced technological systems like surveillance and barriers was outmaneuvered by Hamas’s blend of low-tech and creative approaches. For India, integrating human intelligence and traditional reconnaissance with modern technology is essential to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
Enhanced Intelligence Integration
The attack exposed gaps in intelligence sharing and coordination in Israel. India, with multiple security agencies such as the Armed Forces, Border Security Forces, and Central Armed Police Forces under different ministries, must focus on seamless intelligence integration. Establishing a unified command structure can preempt threats effectively.
Political Stability and Security Vigilance
Israel’s internal political divisions may have distracted its focus on external threats, highlighting the importance of domestic stability. India must prioritize minimizing internal divisions to maintain a vigilant and cohesive approach to national security.
Conclusion
The Hamas attack underscores the importance of a multi-layered approach to border security, combining technology, human intelligence, and political stability. By learning from Israel’s experience, India can enhance its border management to address emerging threats effectively.
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