National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval participated in the first meeting of the Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG).
Key highlights –
Indian Ocean is now witness to rivalries and competitions —
In the changing geopolitical scenario, the Indian Ocean, which has been an ocean of peace, is gradually becoming competitive.
The region has the potential to witness clash of interests. Hence, India needs to be vigilant in order to protect its interests.
Security at the high seas and economic wellbeing is inextricably linked —
He said security at the high seas and economic wellbeing is inextricably linked and all stakeholders must work unitedly.
The more India develops, the more assets it creates, greater would be the vulnerability and the need for security in the maritime domain.
India will not be able to become the power it deserves to be unless it has a very strong maritime system.
Maritime borders are different from land borders —
One cannot fence the maritime borders, and that disputes in seas are resolved through international norms and laws, while land disputes are bilateral in nature.
Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group –
MAMSG was formed in November 2021 with an aim to develop better coordination between different maritime security agencies and ministries of the country.
It works directly under the National Security Council secretariat (NSCS).
The National Security Council is a three-tiered organisation consisting of Strategic Policy Group (SPG); the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and the National Security Council Secretariat.
The council oversees political, economic, energy and security issues of strategic concern.
NSA is the Chairperson of NSCS.
In February 2022, G Ashok Kumar was appointed as India’s first Coordinator of MAMSG – also known as national maritime security coordinator.
It has the responsibility of coordinating between all the agencies involved in maritime security and maritime civil issues as well.
He will be the principal advisor to the government on maritime security domain and will act as a nodal point for all issues related to maritime security.
Role — The MAMSG is envisaged to –
provide a standing and effective mechanism to ensure coordination of all aspects of maritime security including coastal and offshore security, and
fill the institutional, policy, technological and operational gaps in meeting present and future security challenges.
The group will also address maritime contingencies requiring an urgent and coordinated response.
.png)