ICG provided a comprehensive overview of the its operational capabilities, strategic initiatives, and preparedness to address the nation’s coastal security challenges.

Security Concerns of the coast

• Terrorist maritime infiltration: Potential sea-based terrorist attacks. E.g., 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• Maritime Trafficking Risks: Smuggling of gold, luxury items, drugs & potential use of maritime routes for illegal trade.
• Industrial & strategic infrastructure vulnerabilities: Numerous Special Economic Zones along coastline; Critical oil and gas infrastructure (refineries, offshore platforms), 13 major ports handling 90% of maritime trade, etc.
• Risk of damage to strategic installation: Naval commands (Vishakhapatnam, Mumbai, Kochi, Port Blair); Nuclear power plants at Tarapur, Kudankulam, Kalpakkam. 
• Other Challenges: Poor coordination among agencies, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and vulnerability to natural disasters.

Steps taken to strengthen coastal security

• Organizational Initiatives:
  • NCSMCS (National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security): A national forum for reviewing maritime and coastal security.
  • National Command Control Communications and Intelligence for enhanced surveillance.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Enhanced through the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) with radars, sensors, Automatic Identification System (AIS) etc.
• Procedural Initiatives: SAGAR Initiative, Sea Vigil Exercise, Coastal Security Scheme.