Why in the news? 

There has been an increase in Chinese presence in Indian ocean. India is countering Chinese presence through enhancing military strength and synergy with other Indian ocean nations. In the light of the adversary with China, a proper way to counter Chinese presence becomes important.

Why strategy needed?

War in the modern time has become a more complex phenomenon. Adversary is not only conventional threats like enemy nations but a number of players like terrorists, pirates, criminals and sea robbers etc. These new players are invisible and they lurk behind regular actors like fisherman and port workers. Hence a need to be more vigilant through high-grade sensors and communication networks arises.

Steps taken by India to enhance Maritime domain awareness

• The Indian Navy is setting up radar stations in the Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Seychelles to form a wider coastal radar network to monitor Chinese presence in Eastern Indian ocean.
• Use of P-8I aircraft and Indian naval ships near Andaman seas and eastern checkpoints to deter any maritime adventurism by Beijing.
• Cooperation with Indian ocean countries and Australia, Japan, UK, USA to send Liaison officers at Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean region, Gurugram. France already has an Officer there. This will result in the centre becoming the most important hub in the Eastern Indian Ocean.
• Engagement in the Western Indian Ocean by positioning a Liaison officer at Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar established under auspices of Indian Ocean Commission where India is an observer member.
• Posting officer at European Maritime Awareness in Strait of Hormuz in Abu Dhabi to assist in monitoring maritime activity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
• Deepening cooperation with French, a key Indian ocean player and critical partner.

Way Forward 

• These steps are a good way to ensure maritime security of India. However, in light of China working on a new generation of quieter submarines who are capable of beating adversary surveillance, there is a need to extend underwater detection capabilities to the Eastern Chokepoints. 
• Underwater sensors can be installed with help of its partner Japan near Andaman Island to help detect Chinese submarines. Also, surveillance through Sea Guardian drones (from USA), P-8I aircraft should be used to enhance surveillance footprint. 
• India’s moves in Indian ocean should not only be limited to countering China but should also involve dealing with transnational crime and increasing bonding with partner countries. In this case, White Shipping agreements, real time maritime information sharing through India’s military satellite (GSAT-7A), Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) can come handy.  
• India must ensure seamless information flow generating operational synergy with its partner.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/boosting-india-with-maritime-domain-awareness/article33514223.ece