20 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

3 min

Polity & GovernanceInternational RelationsNEWS

Rajnath Singh emphasizes naval cooperation to counter maritime security threats.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh calls for collaborative naval strategies against maritime threats.

Photo by Peter Muscutt

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the need for naval forces to collaborate in order to effectively tackle maritime threats. Speaking at an event, Singh highlighted the increasing complexities of maritime security and the importance of joint efforts to safeguard India's interests and ensure regional stability.

He urged naval leaders to foster stronger partnerships and interoperability to address challenges such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. The minister's statement underscores India's commitment to enhancing maritime security cooperation with friendly nations.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.

GS Paper 3: Security - Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Connects to India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

In Simple Words

Maritime security is like having police on the seas. It means keeping our sea routes safe from bad guys like pirates and terrorists. When countries work together, it's easier to protect everyone's interests.

India Angle

For India, maritime security is super important because we depend on the sea for trade and resources. If our sea lanes aren't safe, it affects everything from the price of goods to the safety of our fishermen.

For Instance

Think of it like security cameras in your apartment building. They help keep everyone safe, and the more cameras there are, the safer everyone feels.

If the seas are safe, trade flourishes, and the economy grows. This means more jobs and better living standards for everyone.

Safe seas mean a safe and prosperous India.

Visual Insights

Key Maritime Regions for India's Security

This map highlights the key maritime regions where India seeks to enhance naval cooperation to counter maritime security threats.

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📍Indian Ocean Region📍Indo-Pacific Region📍South China Sea

More Information

Background

Effective maritime security is crucial for India due to its extensive coastline and strategic location in the Indian Ocean. India's maritime interests include trade routes, energy security, and the safety of its coastal communities. To protect these interests, India has historically engaged in naval diplomacy and cooperation with other nations. This cooperation is essential to address common maritime threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. India's focus on maritime security has evolved over time, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which highlighted the vulnerability of its coastline. This event led to increased investment in coastal surveillance and security infrastructure. India has also actively participated in joint naval exercises with friendly nations to enhance interoperability and build trust. These exercises aim to improve coordination and response capabilities in addressing maritime security challenges. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal framework for maritime activities and defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in the oceans. India is a signatory to UNCLOS and adheres to its principles in its maritime policies. UNCLOS establishes rules for navigation, resource management, and the settlement of maritime disputes. It also recognizes the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security and protecting the marine environment.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India has significantly enhanced its maritime security cooperation with various countries. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), established in 2018, plays a crucial role in sharing maritime information and enhancing maritime domain awareness. This center facilitates collaboration with partner nations to address maritime threats effectively. India has also been actively involved in various multilateral forums and initiatives to promote maritime security. The Indian Navy has been conducting regular joint exercises with navies of friendly nations, such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and France. These exercises aim to improve interoperability and coordination in addressing maritime security challenges. The exercises often focus on anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and maritime domain awareness. India's engagement in these exercises reflects its commitment to enhancing maritime security cooperation. Looking ahead, India is expected to further strengthen its maritime security capabilities and cooperation with partner nations. The focus will likely be on enhancing maritime domain awareness, improving coastal surveillance, and strengthening naval capabilities. India is also expected to play a more active role in promoting maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. This includes working with other nations to address common maritime threats and ensure the safety and security of sea lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasizing naval cooperation now?

Rajnath Singh is emphasizing naval cooperation due to the increasing complexities of maritime security threats, such as piracy and terrorism. Collaborative strategies are essential to safeguard India's maritime interests and ensure regional stability in the Indian Ocean.

2. What is the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and why is it important for maritime security?

The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), established in 2018, enhances maritime domain awareness by sharing information with partner nations. This collaboration is crucial for addressing maritime threats effectively and maintaining security in the Indian Ocean region.

3. How does increased naval interoperability impact India's foreign policy?

Increased naval interoperability strengthens India's relationships with friendly nations by enabling joint exercises and coordinated responses to maritime threats. This enhances India's role as a key player in ensuring regional maritime security and stability, supporting its foreign policy objectives.

4. What are the key areas of concern regarding maritime security that India needs to address?

India needs to address threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing to protect its trade routes, energy security, and coastal communities. Strengthening naval cooperation and enhancing maritime domain awareness are crucial steps.

5. For UPSC Prelims, what is the significance of the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)?

The IFC-IOR is significant for enhancing maritime domain awareness and facilitating collaboration with partner nations to address maritime threats. Remember that it was established in 2018 and focuses on information sharing.

Exam Tip

Focus on the year of establishment and its role in information sharing for Prelims.

6. What are the potential benefits of increased naval cooperation for common citizens?

Increased naval cooperation can lead to safer trade routes, reduced piracy, and better protection of coastal communities. This contributes to economic stability and security for citizens living in coastal areas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)? 1. It was established to enhance maritime domain awareness and information sharing. 2. It is exclusively operated by the Indian Navy. 3. It only collaborates with countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was indeed established to enhance maritime domain awareness and facilitate information sharing among partner nations. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While the IFC-IOR is an Indian Navy initiative, it collaborates with multiple countries and is not exclusively operated by the Indian Navy. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The IFC-IOR collaborates with various countries, including those beyond the immediate Indian Ocean region, to address maritime security threats effectively.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): 1. It provides a legal framework for regulating all activities in the oceans and seas. 2. It establishes rules for navigation, resource management, and maritime dispute settlement. 3. All member states of the United Nations are signatories to UNCLOS. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: UNCLOS provides a comprehensive legal framework for regulating activities in the oceans and seas. Statement 2 is CORRECT: UNCLOS establishes rules for navigation, resource management, and the settlement of maritime disputes. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Not all member states of the United Nations are signatories to UNCLOS. For example, the United States has not ratified UNCLOS.

3. Which of the following is NOT typically a focus area of joint naval exercises conducted by India with other nations?

A.Anti-piracy operations
B.Search and rescue missions
C.Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
D.Space exploration missions

Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are common focus areas of joint naval exercises conducted by India with other nations. These exercises aim to improve interoperability and coordination in addressing maritime security challenges, including anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Space exploration missions are not typically a focus area of these naval exercises.