Indian Navy Chief: Proposed Framework
The Chief of the Indian Navy, Admiral Hari Kumar, has put forward a set of principles to enhance cooperation and relations among states in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These principles aim to promote cooperation in the maritime domain and foster a shared maritime security framework. They were presented during the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC), an Indian Navy initiative that seeks to bring together IOR littoral states for collaborative maritime security.
Principle 1: Structure Light, Functionally Heavy Mechanism
Admiral Kumar’s first proposal focuses on creating a mechanism that is “structure light, but functionally heavy.” This mechanism would revolve around Common Maritime Priorities (CMPs) such as maritime law, information sharing, strategic protocols, training, and capacity building. The Indian Navy is willing to lead in the development of the training and capacity-building aspect, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
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The second principle highlights the importance of leveraging the unique capabilities and expertise of each participating nation. These capabilities could encompass areas such as maritime law, countering sea-borne narcotics trade, maritime surveillance, and environmental stewardship. This collaborative approach would also lay the groundwork for establishing regional Centers of Excellence (CoE).
Principle 3: Development of CoEs as Nerve Centers
The third proposal is interrelated to the second and emphasizes the development of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) as nerve centers of maritime security information related to the IOR. An example cited is the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurgaon, highlighting India’s role as a “net security provider” in the region. CoEs would facilitate cooperation in safeguarding global commons, ensuring freedom of navigation, and addressing challenges such as piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and more.
Principle 4: Rationalizing and Prioritizing Efforts
The fourth principle calls for the rationalization and prioritization of efforts within bilateral, mini-lateral, and multi-lateral constructs in the IOR. The Indian Navy has actively engaged in multilateral initiatives like the Goa Maritime Conclave, MILAN, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Colombo Security Conclave. These initiatives aim to foster maritime cooperation and strengthen bonds in the region.
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Admiral Hari Kumar’s proposals provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing maritime relations and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The principles aim to create a cooperative environment where countries in the IOR can work together to address common challenges and promote maritime security.
