Context: The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, recently unveiled by the Quad grouping (India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.), underscores a shared commitment to uphold a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

About Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative

• IPMDA is a technology and training initiative to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region and to bring increased transparency to its critical waterways.

• Proposed by: At the 2022 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, Quad Leaders announced the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) to enhance existing maritime domain awareness capabilities.

• The QUAD is committed to contributing to maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region, which is fundamental for stability and prosperity.

Significance of IPMDA for India

• IPMDA represents a substantial effort to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of paramount global geopolitical significance.

• India’s Navy, currently possessing over 140 ships and submarines, is on course to achieve a formidable fleet of 170 to 180 vessels by 2028.

• IPMDA harnesses innovative technology, such as commercial satellite radio frequency data collection, to provide partners across Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific with near real-time information on activities occurring in their maritime zones.

Under the initiative

• The Quad has launched a series of regional pilots delivering radio frequency data to maritime agencies in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific.

• India’s approach: IPMDA extends the "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) initiative initiated in 2015 by the Indian government.

Objectives of the initiative

Tracking of Dark Shipping

• The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requires all ships displacing over 300 tons and engaged in international voyages (and all cargo ships of over 500 tons displacement even if not engaged in international voyages) to be fitted with an Automatic Identification System (AIS).

• The system essentially enables identification and tracking of vessels (including by satellites). Designed initially for collision avoidance, AIS also enables monitoring of national merchant and fishing fleets, cargo tracking, infrastructure protection, search and rescue and EEZ security.

IUU Fishing

• China is by far the largest exploiter of the world’s oceans for fish. In June 2020, its distant water fishing fleet was estimated as comprising 16,996 vessels, more than 5-8 times previous estimates

• Another report identified the area around Seychelles and Mauritius as the most vulnerable to IUU fishing, but this area is not covered by the IPMDA.

• Within the Indian Ocean part of the IPMDA, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand all maintain reasonable surveillance and response capabilities within their maritime zones.

• The benefit provided by IPMDA will be welcome but incremental.

• It is the smaller island nations in the Central and Western Indian Ocean that need the IPMDA most. India will have to work out how to extend its benefits to them.

About Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)

• First, the IFC will continue to strengthen its efforts in enhancing maritime domain awareness. This involves the collection, fusion, and dissemination of information critical to the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region. The Centre will work to further develop its capabilities to provide a comprehensive and real-time maritime situational picture.

• Second, IFC-IOR will actively seek to establish and strengthen collaborative partnerships with like-minded nations and organisations. Building networks and alliances will be instrumental in ensuring the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region. These partnerships will involve sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

• Third, IFC-IOR will continue to promote a culture of information sharing and transparency. Timely sharing of relevant data and intelligence is crucial in addressing threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime security concerns. The Centre will work on further enhancing its information-sharing mechanisms.

• Lastly, the IFC will strive to be an integral part of regional security architecture. It will actively contribute to initiatives aimed at promoting stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This includes participation in regional forums and dialogues that seek to address common challenges.

• Indian Navy is committed to ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region. The IFC-IOR will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing dynamics of the maritime domain. We recognise the importance of working collaboratively with our regional partners and the international community to secure the future of this vital region. IFC-IOR is poised to play a pivotal role in these efforts in the near future and beyond.
  

Road Ahead

• Recent global events, including the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, conflicts in Ukraine, and turmoil in West Asia, underscore the need for resilience and readiness in the face of uncertainties.

• Indian Navy recognizes the importance of integrated joint operations and a holistic approach to national defense, and a well-coordinated defense strategy involving all three Services.

• The geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region are evolving rapidly. To address these challenges, the Goa Maritime Conclave remains as relevant as ever. Looking forward, the collective outlook for this dialogue is optimistic. The Conclave will continue to be a cornerstone in maintaining regional stability by promoting cooperation and adherence to international norms.