What is Coastal Security?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Involves a multi-agency approach with key stakeholders including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Marine Police, Customs, and Intelligence Agencies.
- 2.
Implemented through a three-tiered surveillance system: Indian Navy (outer layer), ICG (middle layer), and Marine Police (inner layer).
- 3.
The Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) was launched to strengthen the capabilities of the Marine Police in coastal states and Union Territories.
- 4.
Deployment of advanced surveillance technologies such as Automatic Identification System (AIS), Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), and coastal radar networks.
- 5.
Regular conduct of coastal security exercisese.g., Sagar Kavach to enhance inter-agency coordination and preparedness.
- 6.
Establishment of the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) to oversee policy and coordination.
- 7.
The new Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) aims to address fragmentation in port security and serve as a single regulatory and coordinating body.
- 8.
Enforcement of international standards like the ISPS Code for port and ship security.
Visual Insights
India's Multi-Agency Three-Tiered Coastal Security Architecture (2025)
This flowchart illustrates the operational structure of India's coastal security, detailing the roles of various agencies across the three surveillance layers and highlighting the integrated approach, including the new role of BOPS.
- 1.Threat Intelligence & Information Sharing (Start)
- 2.Outer Layer: Indian Navy (EEZ & High Seas Surveillance)
- 3.Middle Layer: Indian Coast Guard (Territorial Waters & Contiguous Zone Patrols)
- 4.Inner Layer: Marine Police (Coastal & Harbour Patrols)
- 5.Port Security Oversight: Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) (Regulatory & Coordination for Ports)
- 6.Support Agencies: Customs, Fisheries, Intelligence (Enforcement, Data Sharing, Community Engagement)
- 7.Overall Coordination: NCSMCS (National Committee for Strengthening Maritime & Coastal Security)
- 8.Integrated & Robust Coastal Security (End)
Comprehensive Coastal Security Framework of India (2025)
This mind map provides a holistic view of India's coastal security framework, encompassing key threats, the multi-agency approach, technological measures, legal and institutional frameworks, and ongoing challenges, including the role of the newly established BOPS.
Coastal Security
- ●Key Threats
- ●Multi-Agency Approach
- ●Key Measures & Technologies
- ●Legal & Institutional Framework
- ●Challenges
Recent Developments
4 developmentsThe establishment of the Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) under the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 is a significant development to further strengthen port-specific coastal security.
Increased focus on technology integration and real-time information sharing among agencies.
Ongoing challenges include balancing Union and State responsibilities, particularly concerning non-major ports, leading to debates on 'maritime federalism'.
Emphasis on community participation through Coastal Village Security Committees.