In the Western Indian Ocean, maritime threats cost the region approximately $1.14 billion annually, impacting the blue economy’s stability. Key issues include illegal fishing, piracy, and environmental hazards. A United Nations report emphasizes the need for enhanced maritime security and regional collaboration to safeguard ocean resources and mitigate economic losses.
The Western Indian Ocean faces rising maritime threats, particularly piracy along the Somali coast. A recent hijacking of the Maltese-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite underscores regional insecurity. This instability jeopardizes the blue economy, costing approximately $1.1 billion annually and hindering growth in ocean-based industries vital for the region’s development.
The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 will resume on December 30, over a decade after its disappearance in 2014. Ocean Infinity will conduct a 55-day seabed search in the southern Indian Ocean, focusing on areas with the highest likelihood of finding the aircraft, with a $70 million incentive from Malaysia.
India is set to collaborate with ASEAN to establish cruise tourism routes in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, announced Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. During the ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue, discussions focused on enhancing connectivity, improving port infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region to boost maritime cooperation.
All 23 crew members of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Run Fun 3 were rescued after abandoning their sinking vessel in the Indian Ocean. The ship, en route from Singapore to Togo, began flooding in the cargo hold. The crew escaped on life rafts and were picked up by Maple Harbour.
Australia will gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives, enhancing bilateral defense cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Set for delivery in 2026, the vessel will boost the Maldives’ capacity to monitor its exclusive economic zone, combat illegal activities, and conduct search and rescue operations.
The ‘Monsoon’ conference, organized by IGNCA and the Advanced Study Institute, delves into India’s expanding role in the Indian Ocean. It explores the historical significance of ancient trade winds and their connection to modern maritime security. The conference aims to shed light on its growing influence and strategic partnerships.
The council has updated Operation ATALANTA’s mandate to enhance maritime security in Somalia, the Gulf of Aden, the West Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. The goal is to combat piracy and illicit trafficking at sea by strengthening regional maritime security. Collaboration with Operation ASPIDES and rebranding the Maritime Security Center will further bolster these efforts.
Warnings have been issued for vessels in the Indian Ocean and Singapore Strait despite a decrease in crime against seafarers. EUNAVFOR is investigating suspected pirate action groups from Somalia. ReCAAP ISC reported three new incidents in the Singapore Strait. ICC International Maritime Bureau reported a 30-year low in crimes against seafarers but with Caution.
According to a regional maritime agency, ports in India have seen a decrease in armed robbery incidents, with only two reported between January and June 2024. Krishnaswamy Natarajan of the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre highlighted that these incidents typically involve theft of nominal items or engine spares. Despite this, authorities must remain vigilant and implement security measures to prevent future incidents.
Ports, Shipping and Waterways secretary T K Ramachandran assured that the issues in the Red Sea will not affect India’s maritime trade. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route, has seen increased tensions due to recent attacks, but Ramachandran stated that there will be “no impact” on India’s trade.
