Indian Council of World Affairs

Distinguished Experts, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Students, and Friends! 

Before I speak on the theme of today’s discussion, I would like to say that, and you have all been watching the news, Friends, we are at war with Pakistan. From the platform of Sapru House, I wish to express our full confidence in the ability and valour of our armed and paramilitary forces to achieve the goals that that they have set for themselves in these operations. This is the time for perfect coordination between man and machine and we pray that our soldiers’ weapons never fail them. I also wish to congratulate our media personnel for righteous reporting and want to wish them strength. And I wish to say that our civic administration needs our full support. Friends, we have to see this through together for the sake of a terror-free, peaceful and stable world to which India is deeply committed. I want to thank you for coming to participate in this important panel discussion on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indo-Pacific – a topic which has both defence and non-defence components. Above all, MDA is about cooperation in the conventional and non-traditional areas of security in order to ensure peaceful, stable and crime-free waters, a topic which is extremely important for our turbulent world. MDA is also about technology at the service of human security.

Today’s panel discussion is based on ICWA’s recently published Special Publication on Maritime Domain Awareness in the Indo-Pacific. The publication represents a collective effort to critically assess the evolving concept of MDA in the Indo-Pacific Region - one of the most dynamic and contested regions of the world. The discussion builds directly upon the research, insights, and recommendations explored in that publication, with the aim of taking this conversation forward in both policy and practice. 

The Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the eastern shores of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean, has emerged as the epicentre of global geopolitical and economic activity. Its strategic importance is underpinned by vast maritime spaces, complex and often contested maritime boundaries, and some of the busiest and most crucial Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) in the world. Approximately two-thirds of the world's oil shipments, one-third of bulk cargo, and half of the world’s container traffic pass through this region. This makes the Indo-Pacific not only a conduit for global trade but also a zone of immense strategic contestation and vulnerability. 

MDA is not just a conceptual framework; it is the cornerstone of effective maritime governance. At its core, MDA is the ability to detect, identify, track, and understand maritime activity in real-time. It is about transforming data into actionable intelligence. It allows nations to safeguard their maritime interests, enforce law and order, and respond effectively to threats, whether conventional or non-traditional. But MDA is not merely about threats—it is also about opportunity. It empowers coastal nations to manage resources sustainably, monitor environmental changes, and support economic development in sectors such as fisheries, offshore energy, and maritime transport. It is a vital enabler of the Blue Economy, which holds the key to inclusive growth and ecological balance in this region.

The need to focus on MDA in the Indo-Pacific is more urgent than ever. The Indo-Pacific region is not only marked by increasing traditional and non-traditional security concerns. One of the primary challenges in the Indo-Pacific is the disparate capacity levels among regional players. While some nations possess advanced surveillance infrastructure, robust navies, and sophisticated maritime data processing capabilities, others struggle with resource limitations, outdated technology, inadequate or only coastal surveillance capability and inadequate institutional frameworks. Addressing these disparities is fundamental to developing an inclusive and effective MDA architecture. Nations need to move beyond mere information collection and towards enhanced data sharing, analysis, and interoperability and firm cooperative frameworks.

Emerging technologies offer powerful tools to strengthen MDA. Innovations such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (USVs/UUVs) are revolutionizing maritime surveillance. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics enable the processing of vast streams of data to detect anomalies, predict potential threats and facilitate preparedness and pre-emption. Integration of these technologies into national and regional MDA systems can exponentially increase situational awareness, responsiveness, and decision-making capabilities.

A critical enabler in this technological evolution is the space sector. Satellite-based monitoring, including the use of optical and radar satellites, plays an increasingly pivotal role in MDA. These assets can monitor large swaths of oceanic territory, especially in remote and otherwise inaccessible areas. Satellite constellations can track vessel movements, detect illegal fishing activities, and support search and rescue operations. Regional cooperation in space-based capabilities—through initiatives like joint satellite missions, data sharing agreements, and regional satellite monitoring centres—can significantly bolster collective MDA capacities.

Defence is integral to Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), as it ensures the protection of national interests and maritime security. A robust defence framework enhances MDA by enabling timely detection and response to threats. To achieve this, naval forces deploy advanced platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), long-range maritime patrol aircraft like the Boeing P-8I, and stealth frigates equipped with multi-function radar systems. These technologies provide persistent surveillance, real-time intelligence, and enhanced threat detection across vast maritime zones, significantly bolstering the overall effectiveness of MDA.

India, as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and a key player in the Indo-Pacific, has a vital role to play. Its initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), now elevated to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and partnerships under QUAD and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) reflect a commitment to maritime security. The Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) has emerged as a hub for collaborative maritime information sharing. Continued investment in maritime domain surveillance infrastructure, including satellite systems like RISAT and Oceansat, and cooperation with like-minded countries, will be crucial.

Maritime Domain, as a part of the global commons, is often subject to neglect or overuse because it does not belong to any single nation. This shared common can lead to a lack of accountability, where countries and individuals may feel less compelled to act responsibly. However, this very status demands greater collective responsibility. Nations must recognize that global commons require shared stewardship. Developed countries, equipped with more capability, resources and technological capacity, should take the lead in forming robust, inclusive frameworks for the sustainable governance of oceans and carry others along. By actively engaging in looking after these commons, nations are not just sharing legitimate benefits, but also committing to their nurturing and preservation with a sense of trusteeship and respect for the common heritage of mankind — an essential step toward ensuring long-term peace, stability, prosperity and harmony with the environment.

I look forward to a thought-provoking discussion. I wish the panellists all the best..

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