Defence Minister Singh Highlights Rising Maritime Threats from Regional Instability

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday warned that instability in neighbouring countries often spills into India’s maritime domain, urging the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to remain vigilant and respond swiftly to external developments.

Addressing the 42nd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference at ICG Headquarters, Singh highlighted frequent incidents in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other regional nations that impact coastal security, including refugee influx, illegal migration, and irregular maritime activities in the Bay of Bengal.

Emphasising the strategic importance of India’s 7,500-km coastline and island territories, Singh said the ICG must go beyond routine surveillance and maintain geopolitical awareness to act quickly in response to external events.

“Maritime threats are increasingly technology driven and multi dimensional. Smuggling and piracy have evolved into sophisticated operations using GPS spoofing, drones, encrypted communications, satellite phones, and even dark web networks,” he said. Singh cautioned that terrorist organisations now exploit digital tools and real-time intelligence for planning attacks.

Highlighting the need for modernisation, the Defence Minister urged integrating Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning-based surveillance, automated response mechanisms, and cyber defence systems into maritime security operations. He warned that cyber and electronic warfare are present-day realities, capable of paralysing systems without conventional attacks.

Singh also linked maritime security with India’s economic well-being, noting that ports, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure are vital for the nation’s economy. “Disruptions in maritime trade, whether physical or cyber, can have cascading effects on both security and the economy. National security and economic security must be treated as one,” he said.

Patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the ICG deters external threats while also addressing illegal fishing, drug and arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, marine pollution, and irregular maritime activities. Singh highlighted the unique challenges of maritime borders, which are fluid and unpredictable, unlike permanent land boundaries.

“Maritime security demands constant vigilance. Smuggling vessels may disguise themselves as fishing boats, and terrorist groups can exploit the openness of the seas. Our forces must be technologically prepared and strategically alert at all times,” Singh concluded.