Whole-of-Nation, Whole-of-Sea: A Framework for Integrated Maritime Security

For a long time, maritime security was handled by different agencies working on their own. The navy took care of the deep sea, coastal police managed the shorelines, and port authorities looked after cargo and port safety. While each group carried out its duties, they rarely worked together. This lack of coordination created serious security gaps, which could be used by those looking to cause harm. Modern threats at sea do not follow clear boundaries, so separate efforts are no longer enough. To address today’s complex challenges, all stakeholders must work together in a more connected and cooperative way.

This is where the idea of convergence becomes important. It goes beyond just sharing information, it helps create a common understanding of the situation, allows different agencies to coordinate their actions in real time, and leads to a strong, united response to any threat. In the end, convergence brings together the efforts of separate groups and turns them into one continuous and effective system of protection.

India’s move toward a more connected maritime security system began after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which revealed serious gaps in coastal surveillance and response. In the immediate aftermath, India took several steps such as setting up radar chains, strengthening port security, and improving the flow of information. However, most of these efforts were reactive in nature. A more significant shift happened with the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram. This centre now serves as a key regional hub for maritime intelligence and cooperation, with over twenty partner nations actively sharing information and playing important roles in it.ⁱOne clear example that shows the progress made in maritime cooperation occurred in February 2025, when a foreign vessel was reported behaving suspiciously near the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).ⁱⁱThe alert was raised by the IFC-IOR. Thanks to swift coordination with Maldivian authorities and timely technical support from India, the vessel was successfully intercepted by Maldivian forces. This quick response averted what could have become a serious threat to the Maldives’ offshore energy infrastructure. More than just a successful operation, it was a clear demonstration that regional cooperation isn’t just a strategic concept but it’s like a practical necessity. When countries work together, they can better protect lives, safeguard maritime borders, and build lasting trust in the region.

In today’s rapidly evolving maritime landscape, the responsibility of keeping our seas safe can no longer rest only on naval forces. It demands a wider circle of collaboration involving almost all sector that includes government agencies, private industry, local communities, and international partners. Maritime security has truly become a collective responsibility. While government agencies continue to monitor waters, conduct patrols, and enforce regulations, their effectiveness multiplies when the private sector steps in as a proactive partner. Today, shipping companies, insurers, underwater cable operators, and even tech start-ups are playing a growing role. With the help of tools like drones, satellite surveillance, and AI-driven monitoring systems, they are helping create a more watchful, responsive, and secure maritime domain.

Local communities also play an important role, especially fishermen and boat operators who know the sea well. They can help by reporting anything unusual they see. A good example is a 2025 pilot project in Andhra Pradesh, where fishermen were trained to use a mobile app to report suspicious activity. During one patrol, they raised four alerts through which one led to the discovery of a foreign trawler pretending to be a local boat.ⁱⁱⁱ

International organizations such as International Criminal Police Organization better known as INTERPOL, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and ^ivEconomic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) contribute through their respective expertise in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and model exercises.^v

As part of India’s forward-looking Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has outlined a plan to transform Indian ports into smart, green, and secure hubs. This forward-looking vision embraces cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain not just for efficiency, but also for sustainability. It represents a balanced approach where the growth of maritime industries goes hand-in-hand with efforts to strengthen maritime security and promote sustainable development. It’s not simply about progress but it’s more about responsible progress.