The Government of India set up a high-profile committee on maritime security to enhance surveillance of the country’s vast coastline. The move follows a series of measures initiated by the government to tighten security at gateway ports, particularly in the wake of the Nov. 26, 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
Similar to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the panel is headed by a cabinet secretary and includes senior officials of various maritime security agencies, including the navy, coast guard and intelligence bureau.
“The committee will help in monitoring timely implementation of proposals relating to maritime and coastal security. It will also help in ensuring effective coordination among various central ministries and agencies and the coastal state governments/union territories,” the government said in a statement.
The Shipping Ministry earlier asked all major port authorities to acquire speed boats to beef up waterfront patrolling, and deploy marine commando units for better emergency preparedness and response.
Safeguarding the nation's security and preventing terrorists as well as weapons of mass destruction from entering the country, especially through the sea route, have been New Delhi’s top priorities since the Mumbai attacks that killed nearly 180 people one year ago.
India has 12 major ports, six each on the west and east coasts, and nearly 200 minor ports located along its 4,600 miles of coastline.
According to the latest data released by the Indian Ports Association, major ports handled 362.8 million tons of cargo during the April-November period, up 4.7 percent from 346.5 million tons in the year-ago period.
Similar to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the panel is headed by a cabinet secretary and includes senior officials of various maritime security agencies, including the navy, coast guard and intelligence bureau.
“The committee will help in monitoring timely implementation of proposals relating to maritime and coastal security. It will also help in ensuring effective coordination among various central ministries and agencies and the coastal state governments/union territories,” the government said in a statement.
The Shipping Ministry earlier asked all major port authorities to acquire speed boats to beef up waterfront patrolling, and deploy marine commando units for better emergency preparedness and response.
Safeguarding the nation's security and preventing terrorists as well as weapons of mass destruction from entering the country, especially through the sea route, have been New Delhi’s top priorities since the Mumbai attacks that killed nearly 180 people one year ago.
India has 12 major ports, six each on the west and east coasts, and nearly 200 minor ports located along its 4,600 miles of coastline.
According to the latest data released by the Indian Ports Association, major ports handled 362.8 million tons of cargo during the April-November period, up 4.7 percent from 346.5 million tons in the year-ago period.