Why Coast Guard banks on 'human-tech' doctrine for India's maritime security

The Indian Coast Guard is looking at a technology-driven expansion of its maritime security capabilities, combining artificial intelligence (AI), drones and real-time data networks with human verification to secure India’s vast coastline and maritime interests.At the India Today Conclave South in Kochi on September 29, Indian Coast Guard director general Paramesh Sivamani said the force is using both indigenous and imported technologies even as the Indian defence public sector undertakings and private manufacturers were developing software and systems for maritime security.Technology, however, cannot completely replace boots-on-the-ground verification, underlined Sivamani during the session ‘Guarding the Blue Frontier’. “You might have the best of technology, but unless you physically check, you can’t be very sure as to who that person inside is,” he said, underlining the continued importance of boarding ships, fishing boats and other vessels to establish the identity and antecedents of those on board.The Coast Guard’s long-term vision includes larger and more capable ships, of greater tonnage, improved crew comfort and longer endurance at sea. A key objective is to create a network in which real-time information from the ocean flows seamlessly into maritime operating centres and control units, allowing faster detection and response. The director general also pointed to the transformation of India’s coastal security architecture after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Before 26/11, agencies often worked in silos, with gaps in coordination and limited synergy. He said most of those shortcomings had since been addressed through greater inter-agency coordination, additional assets and increased manpower.Women are also expected to have a larger role in the force. Sivamani said increasing their participation was a priority and that the appointment of a woman as Coast Guard director general in the future would mark an important milestone.Beyond India’s shores, the Coast Guard is expanding cooperation with friendly countries through training, operational expertise and sharing of information. Its engagement with the United States, Australia and Japan, including the Quad at Sea Ship Observer Mission, reflects the growing importance of coordinated maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific Region.SESSION HIGHLIGHTSParamesh Sivamani“You might have the best of technology, but unless you physically check, you can’t be very sure as to who that person inside is.”“We are both innovating and [using] imported technology to help us carry out the important aspects of maritime and coastal security.”“I can say with absolute conviction that the majority of issues that existed before 26/11 have been addressed, and we are on a very good footing with respect to maritime and coastal security.”“The biggest issue confronting us in those (pre-26/11) days was that every agency was working in silos. There was absolute lack of coordination. There was no synergy.”“Real-time data can flow from oceans to maritime operating centres and straight to control units.”Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends