GS3Internal Security·16 Jun 2026·3 min read

Coastal and Maritime Security — Latest Development

Recent development on Coastal and Maritime Security. Review source articles.

•The recent incidents of the U.S.
•Navy boarding Indian crewed ships in the Indian Ocean and the English Channel have raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers and the country's internal security.
•These events are a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of internal security threats, which can arise from both domestic and international sources.

The recent incidents of the U.S. Navy boarding Indian crewed ships in the Indian Ocean and the English Channel have raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers and the country's internal security. These events are a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of internal security threats, which can arise from both domestic and international sources. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) are key laws that govern the country's response to internal security threats.

Key Provisions and Legal Framework

The UAPA is a critical piece of legislation that deals with terrorist activities, including those that are sponsored by foreign countries. The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) are other laws that have been used to combat internal security threats. However, the use of these laws has been controversial, with some arguing that they are too broad and can be used to target certain groups or individuals. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is another law that has been criticized for its potential to be misused.

▸The UAPA allows for the designation of organizations as terrorist entities.
▸The NIA Act provides for the investigation of terrorist crimes.
▸The AFSPA gives special powers to the armed forces in disturbed areas.
▸The National Security Act (NSA) allows for preventive detention in certain cases.

International Dimension and Geopolitical Implications

The recent incidents involving Indian crewed ships highlight the geopolitical dimensions of internal security threats. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a framework for the use of the world's oceans, but its provisions are not always respected by all countries. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the nodal agency for regulating global shipping, but its effectiveness is limited by the lack of cooperation from some countries.

Did You Know? The IMO has been unable to prevent or take remedial action in many cases of piracy and terrorism at sea, highlighting the need for more effective international cooperation on internal security issues.

Challenges on the Ground and Socioeconomic Roots

The socioeconomic roots of internal security challenges are complex and multifaceted. Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality can all contribute to the growth of extremist ideologies and the recruitment of terrorists. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) provides data on the socioeconomic conditions of different groups in India, which can be used to identify areas that are vulnerable to internal security threats. The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is a key institution that coordinates the country's response to internal security threats, but its effectiveness is limited by the lack of coordination between different agencies and the lack of resources.

Significance and What Changes Now

The recent incidents involving Indian crewed ships highlight the need for a more effective response to internal security threats. The government needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing the socioeconomic roots of these threats, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The National Security Council (NSC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) are key institutions that can play a critical role in coordinating the country's response to internal security threats.