A significant call for enhanced international cooperation in maritime security was made by Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar (Retd), former National Maritime Security Coordinator, at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025. He stressed that a ‘multinational approach’ is indispensable for safeguarding maritime interests against a spectrum of evolving threats. Key recommendations included bolstering regional capabilities, fostering joint operational strategies, and establishing robust, real-time information-sharing mechanisms.
A central concern raised was the increasing risk to vital undersea communication cables, which are vulnerable to disruption by both state and non-state actors. The Vice Admiral pointed out that these cables are not just communication lifelines but are critical to the global economy, as 80% of world trade travels by sea, directly impacting national GDPs.
He elaborated on the diverse pillars of the blue economy, including fisheries, offshore oil and gas, seabed minerals, and the interconnectedness provided by undersea cables, all of which rely on secure maritime environments. The livelihoods of millions globally, exemplified by India’s extensive fishing fleet, are inextricably linked to the health and safety of the oceans.
The nature of maritime threats has shifted dramatically. Beyond conventional maritime crimes such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing, new dangers have emerged. These include acts of maritime terrorism and the alarming use of missiles and drones to target merchant vessels at considerable distances from shore. The physical vulnerability of undersea cables was underscored, with incidents of them being cut occurring with concerning regularity.
As an example of accidental yet impactful disruption, the Vice Admiral referenced the Gulf of Aden, where merchant ships dropping anchor have frequently damaged undersea cables. Such incidents are particularly perilous in constrained maritime areas like the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a vital artery for international commerce.
Climate change also plays a significant role, as evidenced by the rising frequency and intensity of cyclones, which necessitate continuous disaster response efforts. These natural hazards, alongside the persistent challenge of IUU fishing, add to the complexity of maritime security. The global nature of maritime issues means that a threat in one region can quickly escalate into a broader international concern.
Admiral Kumar concluded by reiterating the critical importance of collaboration. He lauded India’s establishment of a National Maritime Security Coordinator as a step towards integrated domestic response. His overarching message was a plea for collective action: building capacity together, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and protecting the crucial seabed infrastructure are essential for ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all nations reliant on the seas.