Ensuring Secure Seas

The revised strategy has been titled Ensuring Secure Seas: Indian Maritime Security Strategy, in recognition of two key aspects. First, the rise in sources, types and intensity of threats, with some blurring of traditional and non-traditional lines, requires a seamless and holistic approach towards maritime security. Second, in order to provide 'freedom to use the seas' for India's national interests, it is necessary to ensure that the seas remain secure. The expanded outlook, reflected in the title, also takes into account the additional mandate of the Indian Navy, which has been entrusted with the responsibility for overall maritime security, including coastal and offshore security The strategy employs the various roles and means of the Indian Navy in an integrated manner, and also guides the development of new means. It further utilises the potential for increased maritime cooperation and coordination, across multiple agencies in India and with friendly nations. This strategy, while it is centred on the Indian Navy as the prime maritime force of the nation, also provides a broader framework for synergising actions in the maritime domain with the other stakeholders. The revised strategy follows the previous edition and is based on the principles and concepts of national security and maritime power, enunciated in the Joint Doctrine Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Maritime Doctrine. It builds upon the Indian Navy's Vision Statement and Guiding Principles, formulated in 2014, which highlight the strategic 'way points' for the next decade. It reviews the key maritime strategic imperatives and influences, articulates the national maritime interests, and defines the related maritime security objectives. It then derives corresponding strategies for attainment of these objectives.