8th High-Level Meeting on Maritime Partnership between India and Sri Lanka

The talks focused on enhancing collaborative efforts in marine pollution response, maritime search and rescue, and law enforcement at sea, as well as improving capacity building and technical assistance programs.

Both parties reiterated their dedication to collaborate closely in tackling modern maritime challenges, ensuring safety, security, and environmental responsibility in the common maritime area.

India’s Marine Sector

India’s maritime zone denotes the maritime borders and regions within its control in the adjacent seas and oceans.

India boasts a coastline measuring 7,517 Km, which includes its island territories.

Territorial Waters (12 Nautical Miles): In this region, India holds complete sovereignty, encompassing the nation’s coastlines and harbors.

Contiguous Zone (24 Nautical Miles): Within this area, India is permitted to act against violations of customs, tax, immigration, or health regulations occurring in its territory or territorial sea.

Zona Económica Exclusiva (ZEE): La ZEE se extiende hasta 200 millas náuticas desde la línea de base.

In this area, India possesses exclusive rights for the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources like fisheries and hydrocarbons.

Maritime Safety

It includes safeguarding the nation's sovereignty against dangers originating from the seas and oceans.

Threats involve safeguarding coastal regions, preserving accessible ocean resources like fish, offshore oil and gas installations, port infrastructure, and more.

It also involves ensuring freedom of movement at sea for our vessels and safeguarding trade while facilitating it.

The components of maritime security are as follows:

Global and domestic peace and safety;

Safeguarding maritime routes for communication Sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political autonomy;

Defense against criminal activities on the ocean;

Entry and safety to the assets in the ocean;

Safety of maritime workers and fishers;

Protection of the environment.

In conclusion

A combination of military prowess, infrastructure preparedness, regional alliances, and institutional and legal frameworks are reflected in India's maritime security efforts.

India's strategy, which is based on SAGAR, attempts to safeguard coastal communities, secure sea lanes, and uphold a rules-based order in the IOR as maritime threats change.