Defence Minister Calls for Expanded Maritime Security Measures to Safeguard Undersea Cables and Critical Infrastructure

India must expand its maritime security strategy to address an increasingly complex range of emerging threats, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday while speaking at the Indian Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) in New Delhi. He emphasised that protecting traditional shipping routes alone is no longer sufficient, as critical maritime infrastructure is becoming increasingly vulnerable to conventional and non-traditional security challenges.

Singh stressed the need for a comprehensive maritime surveillance framework capable of monitoring and protecting strategically important assets, including commercial ports, offshore energy installations, undersea communication cables and other essential infrastructure. He noted that maritime security now requires more than ensuring the safe movement of vessels, as authorities must also maintain a clear understanding of activities across extensive maritime zones. "The security of shipping lanes remains essential, but so does the security of ports, undersea cables, offshore energy infrastructure, and other critical maritime assets. The ability to understand what is happening across our maritime spaces has become equally important," Singh said.

He pointed out that threats to maritime security are no longer restricted to conventional military operations. Challenges such as piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, cyberattacks and natural disasters have also become significant concerns. According to the Defence Minister, India's understanding of maritime security must evolve to reflect the changing nature of these threats.

Particular attention was drawn to undersea fibre-optic cables, which serve as the backbone of global digital communication. These submarine networks carry more than 95 per cent of international internet traffic and support a substantial share of cross-border financial transactions. Any damage or disruption to these cables could have serious consequences for digital connectivity, banking systems, international commerce and essential communication services.

Singh also highlighted the importance of protecting offshore oil and gas installations, energy infrastructure and deep-water commercial ports. These facilities are crucial to India's economic security, energy requirements, international trade and the smooth functioning of global supply chains. Protecting them against potential disruptions is therefore becoming an important national security priority. The Defence Minister further highlighted the growing risks posed by non-state actors and unconventional threats. Maritime cyberattacks, smuggling networks, piracy and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities can undermine maritime stability and disrupt legitimate economic operations. Climate-related disasters and other natural hazards also present significant challenges to coastal infrastructure and maritime activities.

Addressing these risks, Singh emphasised the importance of continuous surveillance, stronger coordination between different government agencies and the development of effective maritime response mechanisms. A coordinated security framework, he suggested, would help authorities identify potential threats at an early stage and respond more efficiently to incidents affecting critical maritime assets.

His remarks are in line with India's broader efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities and expand its strategic presence across the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific. The Indian Navy has progressively enhanced its maritime surveillance infrastructure through coastal radar networks, satellite-based monitoring systems, underwater acoustic sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles. These technologies have improved India's ability to monitor maritime movements, identify suspicious activities and maintain awareness across strategically important waters. The growing importance of maritime infrastructure protection reflects the changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific, where economic connectivity, energy security and digital communication increasingly depend on the safety of critical assets located at sea.

By promoting a more integrated and forward-looking maritime security framework, India aims to protect its economic and strategic interests while supporting freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order. Singh's message underscores the need for countries to look beyond traditional naval security and recognise the protection of undersea cables, energy installations and other critical infrastructure as essential elements of modern maritime defence.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.