Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday highlighted the use of AI and other advanced technologies to strengthen coastline security, saying maritime security is essential not only for national security but also for economic development and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the sea.
Addressing the inaugural meeting of the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (Policy) Conference in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the scope of maritime security has expanded beyond traditional law and order concerns to include protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, disaster management, environmental conservation and maritime awareness. For the first time, the meeting will be held outside New Delhi.
“The use of AI, unmanned systems and modern surveillance networks in the field of maritime security is the need of the hour,” Maj said. He said initiatives such as the installation of NABHMITRA transponders on fishing vessels and the Coastal Vibrant Villages program are important steps towards strengthening maritime security. He also praised the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Odisha Police and other agencies involved in maritime border security.
Majhi said the 21st century is widely regarded as the century of the Indo-Pacific, and India is emerging as a maritime power. “This high-level national conference will be held for the first time in Odisha.
“This reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to cooperative federalism and the country’s federal structure,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted Odisha’s maritime heritage and said the state’s 575 km coastline along the Bay of Bengal is a valuable asset. Recalling ancient Kalinga’s maritime links with Southeast Asian countries, he said the Bali Jatra festival continues to symbolize those historic trade and cultural connections.
Majhi said Odisha has played an important role in India’s maritime growth story, adding, “To further strengthen the country’s maritime strategic position, a deep sea port is being developed at Ganjam and a shipbuilding cluster is coming up near Paradip.” He said the state government fully supported the Centre’s efforts including SAGAR, Act East Policy, BIMSTEC and Coastal Security Plan Phase III.
National Maritime Security Coordinator and former Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta said maritime security requires a comprehensive and well-defined framework. “It is very difficult to find a concrete model for maritime security. We need to develop a well-thought-out strategic framework based on various models,” he said.
Dasgupta added that the National Maritime Security Agency in New Delhi has taken several steps to create awareness and guide coastal states on maritime security issues. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said maritime security should not be viewed only through military and security lenses and urged senior officers to give equal importance to the security and development of both major coastal areas and islands in the sea. The meeting, which was also attended by Prime Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra and DGP YB Krania, focused on strengthening collaboration, improving the use of technology and broader plans for maritime security.
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