Maritime Forces in Pursuit of National Security: Policy Imperatives for India

About the Book

The growing interest of nations in the ocean-realm has become discernable in recent years, leading to an increased significance of maritime security. This is particularly relevant to India, whose vital stakes are expanding beyond its terrestrial confines. How has this increased the responsibility of Indian maritime forces? Can we expect these forces to satiate national-security interests beyond maritime affairs? What approach and capabilities are needed for this? As an attempt to answer these questions, this book is intended for a ‘wide-spectrum’ readership; ranging from a layman but a keen observer of national/ global events that affect him, and who seeks an association with India’s growing eminence; to the academics and Indian policy makers.

About the Author

Commander Gurpreet S Khurana was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1988 and is a Missile Warfare specialist. He has held appointments of Missile Officer of corvettes, Commanding Officer of Torpedo Recovery Vessel, Staff Officer to Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Deputy Director Naval Intelligence. In 2002, he commissioned INS Tarmugli (Fast Attack Craft based at Port Blair) as its first Commanding Officer. He joined IDSA as Research Fellow in 2003. His research interests include maritime security/ strategic issues in the Indo-Pacific region and armed forces doctrines. He is presently involved in the study of the Chinese naval strategy and modernisation.

Contents

Preface
List of Maps
List of Photographs
Abbreviations

INTRODUCTION
Historical Backdrop
Current Geo-Strategic Setting

INDIA’S MARITIME INTERESTS
Maritime Zones
Island Territories
Overseas Trade
Strategic Imports
Stability in the Indian Ocean Region

OTHER STAKEHOLDERS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
Regional Littorals
Extra-regional Powers

INDIA’S SECURITY CONCERNS
Military Conflicts
Military Confrontations Short of War
Security of Sea-lines/Strategic Imports
Maritime ‘Disorder’ at Sea

INDIA’S POLICY IMPERATIVES
The Three Broad Imperatives
Mission-based Imperatives: Review & Recommendations

CONCLUSION

Index