Hindu Editorial Analysis : 30-November-2023
Ensuring a robust maritime system is crucial in addressing the evolving challenges of maritime security in the Global South. This essay explores India’s emphasis on the Global South during its G20 presidency and delves into the significance of maritime security in India as a maritime nation.
Global South & Maritime Security:
- Definition: The Global South encompasses countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, often labeled as ‘developing,’ ‘less developed,’ or ‘underdeveloped.’
- India’s role: Throughout its G20 presidency, India highlighted Global South concerns in maritime discussions, recognizing the diverse challenges faced by these nations.
India as a Maritime Nation:
- Trade and hydrocarbon: India relies heavily on sea routes, with 95 percent of trade and 90 percent of hydrocarbon needs met through maritime avenues.
- Regional relations: Maritime security plays a pivotal role in India’s engagements with Indian Ocean littoral states.
Challenges of Maritime Security in the Global South:
- Evolving challenges: New security dimensions include asymmetrical tactics and unconventional threats, such as illegal fishing, natural disasters, and climate change impact.
- Impact on less developed states: Unconventional challenges disproportionately affect less developed states, placing them in vulnerable positions.
Concerns of Littoral States:
- Unequal capabilities: Littoral states in Asia and Africa face challenges in law enforcement capabilities and lack coordinated security efforts.
- Varying priorities: Differing security priorities hinder joint efforts against threats like piracy, armed robbery, and maritime terrorism.
Challenge of Marine Governance:
- Interconnected objectives: The contemporary security agenda involves national, environmental, economic, and human security goals.
- Global South struggles: The interconnected nature of marine governance objectives poses challenges for the Global South in achieving these goals.
Fight Against Illegal Fishing in Asia and Africa:
- Faulty policies: Illegal fishing is on the rise due to policies encouraging destructive methods like bottom trawling.
- Environmental anomalies: Lenient regulations, lax law enforcement, and harmful subsidies contribute to the proliferation of illegal fishing.
Why In News
There is an imperative to establish and bolster a robust maritime system to effectively address the ever-evolving challenges of maritime security in the Global South, ensuring not only regional stability but also fostering international cooperation for comprehensive maritime safety.
MCQs about Navigating Maritime Challenges in the Global South
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In recent years, what new tactics have acquired a menacing dimension in maritime security?
A. Conventional warfare
B. Grey-zone warfare, land attack missiles, and combat drones
C. Cybersecurity threats
D. Nuclear proliferation
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What unconventional threats are discussed as challenges in the essay?
A. Political conflicts
B. Economic instability
C. Illegal fishing, natural disasters, marine pollution, human trafficking, and climate change
D. Cyberattacks
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What is emphasized as a hindrance to joint efforts against maritime threats in littoral states?
A. Technological limitations
B. Varying security priorities and unequal law-enforcement capabilities
C. Lack of financial resources
D. Political alliances
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