Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS) Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti has stated that even though the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is indeed critical to the prosperity of nations worldwide, it is also beset with numerous maritime challenges.
“Issues such as piracy and armed robbery, irregular human migration, contraband smuggling, IUU fishing, hybrid maritime security threats and environmental degradation are ever-present threats to our shared security,” he said while speaking at the third edition of the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop, hosted by the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) at Gurugram on Monday. The IFC-IOR network includes liaison officers from 15 partner nations and linkages with more than 75 maritime agencies and international fusion centres.
Stating that the developments in the Middle East have escalated tensions in one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, demonstrating the vulnerability of global shipping lanes to attacks by non-state actors, Sobti said that these incidents, coupled with the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, have heightened the urgency for us to adapt to an evolving maritime threat landscape.
“The ripple effects of these disruptions are far-reaching. The re-routing of maritime traffic, necessitated by security concerns in the Red Sea, has led to an increase in weather-related incidents, resulting in losses of cargo and delays. This highlights the interconnectedness of global maritime challenges and underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts,” he added.
While suggesting that one must not only respond to these challenges but also predict and prepare for their potential impacts, the DCNS said, ”By fostering a deeper understanding of regional maritime dynamics and sharing information, we can strengthen our collective capacity to safeguard the maritime commons.”
The workshop, which is being conducted from November 3-5 is based on the theme “Enhancing Real-Time Coordination and Information Sharing Across the Indian Ocean Region.”
MISW 25 features thematic sessions tailored for BIMSTEC, IORA, and DCoC/JA participants, with contributions from UNODC, ReCAAP ISC, RMIFC, IFC, Singapore, RCoC, and leading shipping companies.
Speaking about the workshop, the DCNS said that in an era dominated by virtual connectivity, the importance of face-to-face interaction cannot be overstated. “Workshops such as this one are essential enablers of our mission. They provide an invaluable platform to discuss best practices, streamline communication channels, and refine our mechanisms for timely information exchange.”
“Such interactions also help strengthen interoperability—not only in technological terms, but also with respect to understanding procedures and, more importantly, strengthening trust among stakeholders,” he said while concluding his address.