Maritime security: Doval calls for robust coordination
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday called Indian Ocean Region an important asset for the country, which was becoming competitive with potential for a clash of interests. He underlined that the country has to be vigilant to protect it.
Mr Doval on Thursday inaugurated the first meeting of the Multi Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG) to discuss important policy matters impacting maritime security. Navy chief was also present during the meeting.
MAMSG has members from key Central ministries, intelligence agencies, security forces dealing with maritime affairs and State Maritime Security Coordinators representing all 13 coastal states and Union Territories.
The meeting was chaired by the National Maritime Security Coordinator Vice Admiral (Retd) G Ashok Kumar (Retd). Vice Admiral (Retd) Kumar assumed charge as the country’s first NMSC on February 16 this year.
In his opening remarks, emphasising the salience of maritime security in an increasingly complex and challenging landscape, the NSA underscored the need for seamless coordination. “In national security discourse importance of land and maritime borders are very different. You cannot fence them, put 24x7 vigilance, concept of sovereignty in land borders is territorial and well-defined. Its focus has been less but its importance is much more. Defending our maritime borders is complex, with problems it causes and challenges it brings. But it serves several interests, especially strategic and economic... It is an important trade route globally,” said Mr Doval.