Coastal Security of India and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Vital geo strategic location of India, long coastline and strategic long term vision of Indian government made it logically essential to give utmost importance to the coastal security of India. Post-independence the attention of policy makers remained close to land borders of the country especially after boundary disputes with our neighboring countries. However, among others, the vulnerability of our coastline and terrorist activities have led to the emphasis on strengthening the coastal security of nation as well. Central government in cooperation and coordination with state governments has taken various steps in ensuring and strengthening the security of our land from traditional and nontraditional threats originated from sea. In view of this and new challenges, it is imperative to emphasize on sustainable development of our policies and initiatives in securing the water borders of our country. This paper is an attempt to consolidate the efforts and initiatives taken by various agencies in strengthening our coastal borders and the way forward.