Page 1 - Lesson 9.xps

Maritime Security Module - III

Security and Geo-Strategy

9

Note
MARITIME SECURITY

Water is the major source of life. Even though water occupies a major portion of
earth's surface, it is the geographical location and resources in it that makes them
important. We can categorise this water as oceans and seas. Ocean is a large water
body of saline water where as seas are large body of water which may or may not be
connected. Most of the seas are fully or partially enclosed by land.

Till date we have explored only five percentage of total area covered by oceans. And
today, the economic growth of countries depend on oceans because it is through these
large water bodies that trade is conducted and import and export of products, oil,
etc., are shipped.
Hence securing such activity is called maritime security. In view of its importance
nation states give lot of importance to securing the sea lanes of communication to
protect their economy, borders, protect trade routes and also to show their strength.

Objectives

After studying this lesson you will be able to:

• explain the different aspects of maritime security of our country;

• explain and assess the importance of maritime security to India and
• identify the various agencies associated with maritime security of India.

9.1 Maritime Security

Maritime security involves protecting the nation's sovereignty from threats arising from
the oceans and seas. It includes protecting coastal areas, safeguarding the available
ocean resources such as fish, offshore oil and gas wells, port facilities, etc. It also
means maintaining freedom at sea for movement of our ships and facilitating and
protecting trade. Following are the elements of maritime security:

• International and national peace and security
• Protection of sea lanes of communication

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MILITARY STUDIES 81