Coastal Security Architecture

Definition

The layered, three-tier system of agencies guarding India's coastline and maritime zones, reorganised after the 26 November 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by terrorists arriving by sea.

Key points

• India has a coastline of about 7,517 km (mainland and islands), making maritime and coastal security a major vulnerability.
• The three-tier model after 2008: the Indian Navy has overall responsibility for maritime security, the Indian Coast Guard is responsible for coastal security in territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles), and the State Marine Police patrol the shallow near-shore waters.
• The Sagar Prahari Bal is a Navy force created to protect naval bases and assets; coastal police stations were set up under the Coastal Security Scheme of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• A National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security coordinates the agencies, and registration of fishing vessels and biometric ID cards for fishermen are part of the effort.
• The maritime zones are defined under the Maritime Zones Act, 1976, covering the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (up to 200 nautical miles).

Why it matters for CAPF

Coastal security is one of the most tested internal-security themes after 2008; the three-tier model, the lead agency in each zone, and the coastline length are high-value facts.

Common confusion

Match the zone to the agency: Marine Police (near shore), Coast Guard (territorial waters, lead for coastal security), Navy (overall maritime). Do not confuse the Coast Guard (Ministry of Defence) with the MHA's Coastal Security Scheme that funds State coastal police.

Related concepts

concept indian coast guard, concept sagar doctrine, concept multi agency centre, concept one border one force

Parent note

coastal and maritime security