Hindu Editorial Analysis : 30-January-2024

Maritime security plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of nations, especially in the Global South. This essay explores India’s emphasis on addressing the concerns of the Global South in the context of maritime security.

India’s Emphasis on Global South:
  • During its G20 presidency, India has actively advocated for the Global South’s concerns in maritime discussions.
  • The Global South comprises countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, often characterized as ‘developing’ or ‘underdeveloped.’
India as a Maritime Nation:
  • India’s maritime interests extend beyond its territorial waters.
  • Nearly 95 percent of India’s trade relies on sea routes, involving major and non-major ports.
  • Hydrocarbon requirements are met through seaborne imports and offshore production.
  • Maritime security is a vital aspect of India’s relations with Indian Ocean littoral states.
Challenges of Maritime Security in the Global South:
  1. Newer, Evolving Challenges:
    • Growing use of asymmetrical tactics, such as Ukraine against Russia in the Black Sea.
    • China’s deployment of maritime militias in the South China Sea.
    • Emergence of grey-zone warfare, land attack missiles, and combat drones.
  2. Unconventional Threats:
    • States face unconventional threats like illegal fishing, natural disasters, marine pollution, human trafficking, and climate change.
    • These challenges disproportionately impact less developed states, rendering them vulnerable.
  3. Concerns of Littoral States:
    • Sustainable development goals in littorals are often overlooked by developed countries.
    • Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and lack of security coordination hinder joint efforts against maritime threats.
    • Varying security priorities among littoral states hinder effective collaboration.
  4. Challenge of Marine Governance:
    • The interconnected nature of national, environmental, economic, and human security goals poses challenges.
    • Managing cross-jurisdictional linkages is particularly difficult in the Global South.
    • Marine governance objectives face obstacles in achieving desired outcomes.
  5. Fight Against Illegal Fishing in Asia and Africa:
    • Increased illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Asia and Africa.
    • Faulty policies encourage destructive methods like bottom trawling and seine fishing.
    • Environmentalists highlight lenient regulations, lax law enforcement, and harmful subsidies as contributing factors.
Why In News

There is a pressing need to establish and fortify a robust maritime system to effectively address the evolving challenges of maritime security in the Global South, ensuring the protection of vital trade routes and safeguarding against emerging threats such as piracy and illicit activities.

MCQs about Maritime Security in the Global South

  1. What is the significance of India’s emphasis on the concerns of the Global South during its G20 presidency in the maritime domain?
    A. It highlights India’s focus on developed nations.
    B. It underscores the challenges faced by maritime nations.
    C. It prioritizes issues specific to the Arctic region.
    D. It addresses the concerns of landlocked nations.
    Correct Answer: B. It underscores the challenges faced by maritime nations.
    Explanation: India’s emphasis on the concerns of the Global South in maritime discussions demonstrates a focus on challenges faced by nations in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America.
  2. Why is maritime security considered a prominent feature of India’s relations with Indian Ocean littoral states?
    A. Due to India’s desire for territorial expansion in the Indian Ocean.
    B. Because India solely relies on maritime resources for economic growth.
    C. To combat evolving security challenges in the maritime domain.
    D. As a means to restrict trade with neighboring countries.
    Correct Answer: C. To combat evolving security challenges in the maritime domain.
    Explanation: Maritime security is a significant aspect of India’s relations with Indian Ocean littoral states to address the evolving security challenges in the maritime domain.
  3. What is the primary reason for the disproportionate impact of unconventional security threats on less developed states in the Global South?
    A. Lack of interest in maritime security.
    B. Inefficient military capabilities.
    C. Challenges in sustainable development goals.
    D. Overemphasis on conventional military means.
    Correct Answer: C. Challenges in sustainable development goals.
    Explanation: Unconventional security threats, such as illegal fishing and human trafficking, disproportionately impact less developed states in the Global South, hindering the achievement of sustainable development goals.
  4. Why do littoral states in Asia and Africa face challenges in combating maritime threats collectively?
    A. Lack of awareness about maritime security.
    B. Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and security coordination.
    C. A surplus of resources for maritime defense.
    D. Willingness to rely on foreign agencies.
    Correct Answer: B. Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and security coordination.
    Explanation: Littoral states in Asia and Africa face challenges in joint efforts against maritime threats due to unequal law-enforcement capabilities and a lack of security coordination.

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