In an address at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025, a prominent former maritime security official urged a paradigm shift towards robust international collaboration to tackle escalating threats in the seas. Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar (Retd) asserted that a ‘safer maritime environment’ can only be achieved through unified efforts, emphasizing regional capacity building, enhanced operational capabilities, joint missions, and seamless information exchange. He specifically highlighted the critical need to safeguard undersea cables from damage by various actors.
The retired Vice Admiral underscored the fundamental role of the oceans in global commerce, stating that around 80% of international trade is sea-borne, a factor that significantly bolsters the economies of nations. He also drew attention to the diverse components of the blue economy, including fisheries, marine energy resources, seabed mining, and the indispensable undersea cables that form the backbone of global communication. The welfare of coastal communities and national economies, such as India’s extensive fishing sector, is intrinsically tied to maritime security.
The threat landscape has evolved beyond traditional maritime piracy and smuggling. New challenges include organized maritime terrorism aiming to circumvent security measures, and direct, long-range attacks on commercial vessels using advanced weaponry like missiles and drones. The physical integrity of undersea cables, essential for uninterrupted global connectivity, is also under threat, with frequent incidents of severance.
Detailing the practical realities of cable damage, the Vice Admiral cited the Gulf of Aden, where accidental anchor drops by ships account for over 60% of undersea cable disruptions. The geographical characteristics of critical maritime passages, such as the relatively shallow waters of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, exacerbate these risks, impacting vital shipping lanes between Asia and Europe.
Moreover, the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events, like cyclones impacting coastlines, adds a layer of complexity by demanding continuous disaster relief and preparedness. These climatic challenges, alongside the persistent issue of illegal fishing activities, necessitate a coordinated regional response. The interconnected nature of maritime security means that localized incidents can rapidly metastasize into broader international crises.
To strengthen domestic coordination, India’s recent appointment of a National Maritime Security Coordinator was noted as a positive development for inter-agency synergy. The Vice Admiral’s concluding remarks reiterated the paramount importance of collaboration: developing collective strength, sharing vital intelligence, conducting joint exercises, and protecting the seabed’s vital infrastructure are indispensable. Failure to cooperate, he warned, could transform the seas into a significant vulnerability for nations worldwide.