As global maritime challenges grow, the importance of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) has never been more apparent—particularly for countries like India, where the ocean’s strategic significance, security threats, and economic potential are all tightly intertwined. MDA plays a critical role in safeguarding national interests, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific, which are seeing rising tensions and new risks, from illegal fishing to increasing foreign naval presence. But as India ramps up its efforts to enhance maritime surveillance, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and quantum sensing are offering new hope for overcoming both regional and global challenges.
The global demand for MDA is accelerating. With billions of dollars lost each year due to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, its adverse effects are far-reaching—not only on the economy but also on human rights and ocean ecosystems. India’s role in this growing security landscape is increasingly under the spotlight, particularly as the country navigates its delicate positioning between the Indian Ocean and China’s maritime expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
MDA’s Role in National and Global Security
MDA is about much more than surveillance. It’s about governance. It’s about being able to monitor, control, and protect maritime spaces effectively. According to reports, IUU fishing alone results in over US$26 billion in losses annually. These activities contribute to depleting marine life, violating human rights, and even fueling criminal networks. For countries like India, the stakes are high.
India ranks fourth in terms of IUU fishing risks globally, underlining the importance of enhancing its maritime surveillance capabilities. The vastness of the Indian Ocean and the challenges posed by neighbouring countries—especially China, which has expanded its naval footprint through initiatives like the Maritime Silk Road—require India to step up its MDA efforts. The Indo-Pacific region, where critical shipping lanes converge, is a global hotspot, and India’s active participation in shaping maritime security is crucial for both regional stability and economic interests.
This drive for MDA goes beyond just addressing illegal activities. It’s about securing maritime trade routes, ensuring the safety of shipping vessels, and maintaining a presence in increasingly contested international waters. With more nations looking to exert influence over strategic areas, having comprehensive control over one’s maritime territory is a matter of national security.
Technology’s Role in Democratizing Maritime Domain Awareness
While developed countries already possess sophisticated surveillance systems, such as radar networks and satellite monitoring, these solutions often come with a hefty price tag—an economic challenge for developing nations like India. But the rapid advancements in technology are changing that equation. Now, India is looking to leverage innovations like AI, quantum sensors, and satellite imaging to level the playing field and strengthen its MDA capabilities without breaking the bank.
Emerging Technologies Enhancing Surveillance:
- Satellite-Based Surveillance: Low-earth orbit commercial satellites have significantly dropped in price, making space-based monitoring more accessible. Through technologies like Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and radiofrequency detection, satellites provide a level of detail never before possible.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is revolutionizing the analysis of the massive data generated by satellite images, radar scans, and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) signals. AI systems can detect anomalies, predict vessel behavior, and flag “dark vessels” that try to avoid detection, improving both speed and accuracy.
- Drones & UAVs: Drones, both aerial and underwater, are providing low-cost, real-time surveillance. By integrating sensors like AIS, infrared cameras, and LIDAR, these drones offer an efficient way to monitor vast stretches of ocean with minimal manpower.
These technologies, when combined, present a powerful new paradigm for MDA. India’s partnerships, both regional and global, will be crucial in ensuring that these tools are maximized to their full potential.
The Power of Collaboration: Regional and Global Efforts to Enhance MDA
While technological advancements play a crucial role in strengthening MDA, no country can afford to monitor the seas alone. Given the transnational nature of maritime threats, India has participated in several international collaborations aimed at pooling resources and data. One such initiative is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which includes the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India.
The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) programme, launched in 2022 by QUAD members, aims to expand the ability to monitor and secure the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative promotes data-sharing, real-time surveillance, and intelligence sharing between member countries, enhancing security in an area with growing geopolitical tensions.
However, not all collaborations have been smooth sailing. India was notably excluded from the P-8 data-sharing agreement by AUKUS (the security pact between the U.S., U.K., and Australia) due to concerns about interoperability. This setback has pushed India to focus on strengthening its independent MDA capabilities through indigenous technological solutions, demonstrating the complexities involved in international coordination.
The Future of Maritime Domain Awareness in India
As India continues to make strides in leveraging emerging technologies, the convergence of AI, drones, and quantum technology will open up new frontiers in maritime surveillance. Here’s a snapshot of the future potential:
- LIDAR Technology: This emerging technology, already used in land mapping, is now being adapted for maritime use. Bathymetric LIDAR, which uses green light to measure water depths, will enhance India’s ability to map coastal areas and detect objects at sea, offering a clearer view of the ocean floor.
- Quantum Sensing & Communication: With advances in quantum sensors and navigation, India is well-positioned to revolutionize its maritime surveillance systems. Quantum-based GPS systems offer far higher accuracy than conventional systems, and quantum communications promise ultra-secure data transfer, vital for military and commercial operations.
- Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA): The rise of underwater drones equipped with advanced sensors is another exciting avenue for India to explore. These drones will not only enhance MDA but will also enable underwater mapping and support India’s growing interests in seabed exploration and resource extraction.
India’s Road Ahead: Synergies Between Government, Academia, and Startups
India’s progress in enhancing MDA is backed by strong domestic initiatives. The Indian government’s efforts to foster innovation through programs like the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) and the National Quantum Mission (NQM) have led to the creation of a robust ecosystem for technological collaboration.
Indian startups have also played a crucial role in developing solutions that meet the country’s unique maritime challenges. For instance, EyeROV Technologies, a winner of the DISC, developed an underwater drone that can be used for both defense and commercial applications.
These initiatives, which encourage synergy between the military, academia, and private sector, will be key to India’s continued success in MDA. As new technologies become increasingly affordable and accessible, India’s vision of enhancing maritime security while democratizing technology could soon become a reality.
