As the sun rose above the horizon, Captain Das and his crew on board INS Kamorta spotted a suspicious boat in the waters near the Andaman Islands. After a warning shot, the boat continued to ignore the commands, and the naval vessel was forced to take action. Upon investigation, they discovered that the boat was filled with arms and ammunition, destined to reach the shores of India via the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This is not an isolated incident. India's 7,500-kilometer coastline, which includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the mainland, is vulnerable to a plethora of security threats. From drug trafficking to piracy, from illegal fishing to smuggling of arms and ammunition, these islands have always been targeted by anti-social elements. To tackle these challenges, India has focused on "Island Outreach" to ensure the security of its maritime borders and unlock its maritime potential.
India's maritime borders are not only crucial for national security but also for its economic growth. The country's coastline is home to a 7500-kilometer-long Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rich in oil, gas, and mineral reserves. Besides, the sea-lanes of communication that pass through the Indian Ocean are a lifeline for the global economy, and India plays a pivotal role in ensuring their safety.
Island Outreach plays a vital role in safeguarding India's interests in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian government has been ramping up its defense infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, and the Sunderbans. It has also been strengthening its diplomatic and economic relationships with the littoral countries to counter China's growing presence in the region.
India's Island Outreach has yielded significant results in recent years. Some of the quantifiable examples are:
Island Outreach has helped India to address several challenges that it faces in the maritime domain. Some of the benefits of Island Outreach are:
As a student of international relations, I had the opportunity to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and interact with the personnel from the Indian Navy. It was fascinating to learn about their efforts to ensure the security of the maritime borders and the challenges that they face. Witnessing the deployment of UAVs and the development of the naval base in Port Blair made me realize the importance of Island Outreach in safeguarding India's interests in the maritime domain.
India's Island Outreach has been a game-changer in ensuring the country's maritime security and unlocking its maritime potential. The three-fold benefits of Island Outreach - enhancing national security, strengthening diplomatic ties, and unlocking maritime potential - make a compelling case for India to continue its efforts in this domain.
Defense and Security
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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