Piracy Armed Robbery in Indian Ocean

Source: Business Line
GS II:  Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What are the reported incidents?
3. Indian Ocean

Why in the News?

Piracy and armed robbery in the Indian Ocean jumped 20% in 2023.

News in Brief

• The ongoing months-long turbulence in oceans has been captured in a report the Indian Navy released.+
• The monthly average incidents also rose from 13 in 2022 to about 16 in 2023, pointed out the report compiled by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), a regional maritime security centre hosted by the Indian Navy in Gurugram.
• It stated piracy and armed robbery in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) witnessed a 20 per cent jump in 2023.
• It has 194 incidents recorded last year in comparison to 161 in 2022.

What are the reported incidents?

• Hijacking, kidnapping, illegal boarding, attack, sea robbery, and theft attempted incidents have been put together.
• 78 per cent of reported incidents involved no violence.
• Isolated instances of violence resulted in severe injuries and death of a person.
• While piracy and armed robbery remained suppressed in most regions, South East Asia saw a surge, accounting for 103 incidents.
• East Africa experienced a significant increase, notably in hijacking of dhows off the coast of Somalia and petty thefts off Mauritius.
• Sea theft is the most reported at 43 per cent of total incidents.
• Bulk carriers, tankers, and pleasure crafts are the most targeted vessels.
• Most incidents occurred at night (83 per cent) and involved small groups of perpetrators.

Challenges in the Gulf of Eden

• Ongoing conflicts, hinting between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, and recent developments in the Red Sea, indicating Iran-backed Houthi’s attacks on commercial vessels, coupled with the removal of High-Risk Area with effect from January 1, 2023.
• Depleting fishing stocks due to increased illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities is likely to pose challenges.

Indian Ocean

• The Indian Ocean is a vast body of water bounded by Africa to the west, Asia to the north, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south.
• It covers an area of approximately 70.56 million square kilometres, making it the third-largest ocean in the world.

About the Indian Ocean

• Geography
  • The Indian Ocean is characterized by its unique geography, including numerous islands, archipelagos, and important maritime chokepoints.
  • Major features include the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Red Sea.
• Trade and Commerce
  • The Indian Ocean has historically been a vital maritime trade route, connecting the economies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
  • It facilitates the transportation of goods, energy resources, and raw materials, with over 80% of global trade by volume and 70% by value being conducted via maritime routes.
• Resource Wealth
  • The Indian Ocean is rich in natural resources, including fish stocks, oil, natural gas, minerals, and marine biodiversity.
  • Countries bordering the Indian Ocean rely on these resources for economic development, food security, and energy production.
• Strategic Importance
  • Due to its strategic location, the Indian Ocean has geopolitical significance for both regional and global powers.
  • Major maritime powers, including India, China, the United States, and various Indian Ocean littoral states, have strategic interests in maintaining security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
• Maritime Security Challenges
  • The Indian Ocean faces various maritime security challenges, including piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, human trafficking, and environmental degradation.
  • Efforts to address these challenges require cooperation among regional and international stakeholders through initiatives such as joint patrols, information sharing, capacity building, and legal frameworks.
• Regional Cooperation
  • There are several regional organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting cooperation and dialogue among Indian Ocean littoral states.
  • Examples include the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Djibouti Code of Conduct.
• Environmental Concerns
  • The Indian Ocean is increasingly vulnerable to environmental threats, including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and habitat destruction.
  • These issues pose risks to marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and biodiversity, necessitating concerted efforts to mitigate and adapt to environmental change.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave a Feedback