Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta on Friday released the Indian Maritime Doctrine, focusing on the changing strategic environment around India and the omnipresent threat of terrorism and unconventional conflict. The doctrine also takes into account maritime security in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks last year.
The Naval doctrine, which was originally published in 2004, was updated on account of the fast changing geo-strategic environment, evolving operational complexities and transformational changes sweeping the maritime domain, officials said here on Friday.
The original doctrine was brought out to provide a common understanding of universally applicable maritime concepts, not only for the men in uniform but also for the public at large. Since doctrines evolve over time, the latest edition maintains its temporal relevance, addressing the tenets of contemporary maritime thought with emphasis on the Indian maritime environment, they said.
The doctrine focuses on concepts as well as application of maritime power and is the primary document from which other doctrines would flow. With increased emphasis on maritime affairs, the revised doctrine would serve to enhance awareness about India’s maritime environment and interests and provide the fundamentals for readiness and response planning.
India has nearly 7,500-km-long coastline and more than 70 per cent of trade, including export and import, is conducted through the sea lanes of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Given this scenario, the Navy has a major role in protecting the sea lanes and the exclusive economic zone, besides strategic installations like offshore oil platforms. Moreover, the Mumbai terror attacks, where the Pakistani terrorists sneaked into the city through the sea route, forced the Government to evolve a new strategy to secure the coastline.
The Navy is now the nodal agency for co-ordinating with other agencies — like the Coast Guard, State marine police, port and Customs authorities and 16 Ministries (including Fisheries) which have a common maritime domain.
The Naval doctrine, which was originally published in 2004, was updated on account of the fast changing geo-strategic environment, evolving operational complexities and transformational changes sweeping the maritime domain, officials said here on Friday.
The original doctrine was brought out to provide a common understanding of universally applicable maritime concepts, not only for the men in uniform but also for the public at large. Since doctrines evolve over time, the latest edition maintains its temporal relevance, addressing the tenets of contemporary maritime thought with emphasis on the Indian maritime environment, they said.
The doctrine focuses on concepts as well as application of maritime power and is the primary document from which other doctrines would flow. With increased emphasis on maritime affairs, the revised doctrine would serve to enhance awareness about India’s maritime environment and interests and provide the fundamentals for readiness and response planning.
India has nearly 7,500-km-long coastline and more than 70 per cent of trade, including export and import, is conducted through the sea lanes of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Given this scenario, the Navy has a major role in protecting the sea lanes and the exclusive economic zone, besides strategic installations like offshore oil platforms. Moreover, the Mumbai terror attacks, where the Pakistani terrorists sneaked into the city through the sea route, forced the Government to evolve a new strategy to secure the coastline.
The Navy is now the nodal agency for co-ordinating with other agencies — like the Coast Guard, State marine police, port and Customs authorities and 16 Ministries (including Fisheries) which have a common maritime domain.
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