Context-

Maritime security remains a pressing concern for nations across the globe, particularly in regions often referred to as the Global South, which includes countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. As India assumes leadership roles in forums like the G20, the importance of addressing maritime security challenges becomes increasingly evident. This article delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by the Global South in maritime security and explores potential solutions.

Evolving Security Challenges

The maritime domain is witnessing a rapid evolution of security threats, presenting novel challenges to states worldwide. Instances such as Ukraine's adoption of asymmetrical tactics in the Black Sea and China's deployment of maritime militias in the South China Sea underscore the complexity and volatility of contemporary maritime security threats. The proliferation of grey-zone warfare, land attack missiles, and combat drones further complicates maritime security operations, necessitating adaptive strategies and robust responses.

Unconventional Threats

While traditional security threats persist, the bulk of demand for maritime security stems from unconventional sources. Illegal fishing, natural disasters, marine pollution, human and drug trafficking, and the adverse effects of climate change represent formidable challenges faced by maritime nations, particularly those in the Global South. These unconventional threats often transcend national borders and jurisdictional boundaries, requiring coordinated international efforts for effective mitigation and management.

Concerns of Littoral States

Littoral states in Asia, Africa, and the Southern Pacific confront a myriad of maritime security challenges. Despite possessing significant maritime interests, sustainable development goals remain elusive due to disparities in law enforcement capabilities and limited security coordination. The absence of a unified approach among littoral states impedes collective efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery, and maritime terrorism. Additionally, resistance to maritime cooperation among some states exacerbates regional security dynamics and undermines broader maritime security initiatives.

Challenge in Maritime Domains

Hard Security Challenges:

●     Asymmetrical Tactics: The utilization of asymmetrical tactics, as demonstrated by Ukraine against Russia in the Black Sea or China's deployment of maritime militias in the South China Sea, presents a novel challenge to maritime security. These tactics involve unconventional and unpredictable methods that deviate from traditional military strategies.

●     Grey-Zone Warfare: Grey-zone warfare, falling between conventional and unconventional methods, poses challenges in formulating effective responses due to its exploitation of legal and policy ambiguities. Covert operations and actions below the threshold of open conflict characterize this approach, as evidenced by violations of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) by countries like the USA.

●     Combat Drones: The emergence of combat drones introduces a new dimension to maritime operations, enabling both state and non-state actors to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and potentially execute attacks with heightened precision and efficiency.

●     Land Attack Missiles: The deployment of land attack missiles at sea poses a direct threat to maritime security, challenging traditional notions of sea-based threats by targeting land-based facilities from maritime platforms.

Unconventional Security Threats:

●     Illegal Fishing: Illegal fishing activities threaten maritime security by depleting marine resources and undermining the livelihoods of coastal communities. Incidents such as fishing in Indian waters by Sri Lankan fishermen exemplify the severity of this issue.

●     Natural Disasters: The escalation in frequency and intensity of natural disasters, including cyclones and tsunamis, poses significant challenges to maritime security and emergency response efforts.

●     Marine Pollution: Pollution, ranging from oil spills to plastic waste, presents environmental and economic threats to the maritime domain, necessitating comprehensive mitigation measures.

●     Human and Drug Trafficking: Illicit activities such as human and drug trafficking, conducted through maritime routes, contribute to insecurity in the maritime domain, requiring enhanced surveillance and enforcement efforts.

●     Climate Change Impact: Rising sea levels, climate change, and associated impacts disproportionately affect less developed states, rendering them more susceptible to environmental changes and extreme weather events.

●     Zero-Sum Competition in the Indo-Pacific: The perceived zero-sum competition among powerful nations in the Indo-Pacific poses a significant threat, particularly to the developing world. This competition, characterized by a rivalry for influence, resources, and security, risks diverting attention and resources away from addressing the security concerns of littoral states in Asia, Africa, and the Southern Pacific.

Challenge of Marine Governance

●     Effective marine governance poses a considerable challenge, particularly in the Global South, where national, environmental, economic, and human security imperatives intersect.

●     Weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and harmful subsidies contribute to issues like illegal fishing, exacerbating environmental degradation and threatening maritime ecosystems.

●     Addressing these challenges necessitates comprehensive regulatory reforms and enhanced international cooperation to align domestic laws with established maritime security standards.

Suggestions & Way Ahead

●     Utilization of Resources and Personnel: Recognizing that maritime security extends beyond conventional military action, states must allocate sufficient capital, resources, and specialized personnel to address multifaceted maritime security challenges effectively. Emphasizing the role of sea power in promoting prosperity and addressing societal aspirations is essential for fostering sustainable maritime security.

●     Integrated Maritime Security: States must embrace an integrated approach to maritime security operations, acknowledging the interconnectedness of national, regional, and global maritime security imperatives. Overhauling regulatory frameworks to align domestic legislation with international norms and standards is crucial for fostering collective action and addressing transnational maritime security threats.

●     India's Maritime Vision 2030: India's Maritime Vision 2030 offers a comprehensive blueprint for the sustainable development of the maritime sector. Prioritizing investments in port infrastructure, shipping, and inland waterways facilitates economic growth, enhances maritime connectivity, and creates livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

●      SAGAR Programme: The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative exemplifies India's commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. Enhancing maritime domain awareness through initiatives like the Integrated Coastal Surveillance System strengthens regional security cooperation and fosters collective responses to maritime security challenges.

●     Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative underscores the importance of collective action in addressing common maritime challenges. By focusing on pillars such as maritime ecology, marine resources, capacity building, disaster risk reduction, and maritime connectivity, the initiative seeks to promote regional stability and prosperity through enhanced cooperation and collaboration among Indo-Pacific states.

Conclusion

Maritime security challenges in the Global South demand concerted efforts and collaborative approaches to address evolving threats and vulnerabilities effectively. By embracing integrated maritime security strategies, leveraging resources judiciously, and fostering regional cooperation, states can mitigate risks and promote sustainable maritime development. Initiatives like India's SAGAR Programme and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative exemplify proactive measures aimed at enhancing maritime security and prosperity in the region. Collective endeavors grounded in shared interests and mutual respect are essential for realizing a secure and prosperous maritime environment in the Global South.

Source- The Hindu Business Line