Just how porous was the Indian coastline to ingress by terror groups was the lesson that stood out the most when Mumbai faced terror attacks on the 26 November, 2008. For three days, the National Security Guard (NSG) carried out its operations before all attackers had been either killed or captured. It also marked a turning point in India’s approach to maritime security. The attackers landed on our coast to wreak havoc in the financial capital of India. The introspection and action plan that followed, has led to major changes in our coastal security establishment.
26/11: Major Lacunae identified
The attacks revealed gaps in India’s coastal surveillance and coordination among security agencies. The lack of a unified command structure and inadequate infrastructure for monitoring maritime activities were key weaknesses. In response, the government undertook an urgent review of maritime security policies, drawing on recommendations from earlier reports, including the Kargil Review Committee (1999) and the Group of Ministers report on national security (2001).
Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)
One of the most significant outcomes was the launch of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS). Implemented in two phases, CSS aimed to fortify India’s coastal defenses:
- Phase I (2005-2011): Focused on creating a foundational infrastructure for coastal security, including coastal police stations, patrol vessels, and surveillance equipment.
- Phase II (2011 onwards): Expanded the program with enhanced budgets and broader coverage, addressing gaps identified after 26/11.
Despite its achievements, the CSS faced challenges in implementation, particularly in the maintenance of equipment and operational training for personnel.
Post-26/11 Important Reforms
Several initiatives were launched to enhance India’s maritime security:
- Strengthening Coastal Surveillance:
- Installation of radar stations and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) along the coastline.
- Creation of the National Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence Network (NC3I) to improve maritime domain awareness.
- Institutional Coordination:
- Formation of the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, to streamline inter-agency coordination.
- Establishment of Joint Operations Centers (JOCs), manned by the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police, for real-time information sharing and operational synergy.
- Creation of the National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC):
- In 2022, India appointed Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar (Retd.) as its first NMSC, a long-pending recommendation to unify efforts across the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies.
- Integration of Coastal Communities:
- Engagement with fishing communities as the first line of defense.
- Awareness campaigns and recruitment drives to involve locals in security efforts.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these advancements, gaps remain in ensuring seamless coordination, maintaining infrastructure, and addressing vulnerabilities in coastal policing. Many patrol boats procured post-26/11 have become non-operational due to inadequate maintenance, and the integration of disparate communication systems among agencies remains a work in progress.
Looking Forward
India’s commitment to maritime security reflects its recognition of the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region. From safeguarding sea lanes critical for global trade to protecting its extensive coastline, the nation continues to invest in modernizing its capabilities.
The lessons of 26/11 have driven transformative changes, but as maritime threats evolve, sustained focus on innovation, inter-agency cooperation, and capacity building will be essential to secure India’s maritime future. The nation cannot afford another such experience. It has also to be borne in mind that the type and sophistication of threat patterns are changing, and India has to keep a step ahead of the terror groups and their sponsors.
Team BharatShakti
(With Inputs from StratNewsGlobal)
