31 Jul The Bay of Bengal as India’s SHANTI Anchor
How the Bay of Bengal Can Become the Foundation of India’s New Maritime Security Vision
GS Paper II
- India and Neighbourhood Relations
- Regional Groupings (BIMSTEC)
- India’s Foreign Policy
- Indo-Pacific Strategy
GS Paper III
- Maritime Security
- Blue Economy
- Disaster Management
- Coastal Security
- Climate Change
Why is this in News?
On 13 July 2026, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar introduced SHANTI (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity) while launching India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term.
The editorial argues that the Bay of Bengal should serve as the first laboratory for implementing SHANTI because the region faces common challenges such as natural disasters, illegal fishing, piracy, cyber threats, climate change and supply chain disruptions.
Consequently, the proposal marks a shift in India’s maritime strategy—from power projection towards cooperative maritime governance.
Quick Facts for UPSC Prelims
| Indicator | Facts |
|---|---|
| Largest Bay in the World | Bay of Bengal |
| Littoral Countries | India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia (Andaman Sea connection) |
| Major Indian Ports | Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Paradip, Haldia, Ennore |
| Regional Grouping | BIMSTEC |
| India’s Maritime Vision | SAGAR (2015), MAHASAGAR (2025), SHANTI (2026) |
| Strategic Gateway | Strait of Malacca |
Evolution of India’s Maritime Vision
| Initiative | Year | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| SAGAR | 2015 | Security and Growth for All in the Region |
| MAHASAGAR | 2025 | Expanded maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and Global South |
| SHANTI | 2026 | Norms, trust and integrity for maritime governance |
Why is the Bay of Bengal Strategically Important?
1. Gateway to the Indo-Pacific
The Bay of Bengal connects the Indian Ocean with Southeast Asia through the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.
As a result, the region plays a central role in global trade and energy transportation.
2. India’s Act East Policy
The Bay serves as India’s maritime bridge to ASEAN.
Moreover, it strengthens connectivity, trade and strategic partnerships with Southeast Asian countries.
3. Blue Economy
The region offers enormous opportunities in:
- Fisheries
- Offshore energy
- Marine biotechnology
- Coastal tourism
- Port-led development
- Renewable ocean energy
4. Disaster-Prone Region
The Bay of Bengal experiences:
- Tropical cyclones
- Storm surges
- Coastal flooding
- Sea-level rise
Therefore, regional disaster preparedness is essential.
Major Challenges in the Bay of Bengal
Despite its strategic importance, several challenges persist.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
Illegal fishing threatens marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
Climate Change
Cyclones are becoming more intense while coastal erosion continues to increase.
Maritime Security Threats
The region faces:
- Piracy
- Arms trafficking
- Drug smuggling
- Human trafficking
- Cyber threats to ports
Geopolitical Competition
China’s expanding maritime presence through infrastructure and connectivity projects has intensified strategic competition in the region.
Why SHANTI Matters
The framework provides a common platform for maritime cooperation.
Maritime Law Enforcement
Joint patrols and information sharing can strengthen regional security.
Disaster Response
Countries can coordinate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations more effectively.
Environmental Protection
Regional cooperation can improve marine pollution control and sustainable fisheries management.
Trust Building
Instead of military rivalry, SHANTI encourages confidence-building measures among neighbouring countries.
Role of BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC has become increasingly important as India’s preferred regional platform in the Bay of Bengal.
Member Countries
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
Recently, BIMSTEC members agreed to strengthen cooperation in:
- Maritime law enforcement
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Joint maritime exercises
- Information sharing
These initiatives align closely with the principles of SHANTI.
Significance for India
Strengthening Maritime Security
Cooperative maritime governance enhances India’s role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
Supporting the Blue Economy
A secure maritime environment promotes trade, fisheries and sustainable economic growth.
Advancing India’s Indo-Pacific Vision
The Bay of Bengal acts as India’s strategic bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Enhancing Regional Leadership
By promoting consensus rather than confrontation, India can reinforce its image as a responsible maritime power.
Government Initiatives Related to Maritime Security
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- MAHASAGAR
- SHANTI
- Sagarmala Programme
- Maritime India Vision 2030
- National Maritime Security Strategy
- Deep Ocean Mission
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
- Blue Economy Policy Framework
Way Forward
India should institutionalize SHANTI through BIMSTEC by promoting regular maritime exercises, information-sharing mechanisms and coordinated disaster response.
Meanwhile, strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and coastal surveillance will improve regional security.
Furthermore, expanding cooperation in the Blue Economy, climate adaptation and sustainable fisheries can build long-term trust among littoral states.
Ultimately, the Bay of Bengal should evolve from a zone of strategic competition into a model of rules-based maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With reference to BIMSTEC, consider the following statements:
- It connects countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia around the Bay of Bengal.
- Nepal and Bhutan are members despite being landlocked countries.
- Pakistan is a founding member of BIMSTEC.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation
- Statement 1: Correct. BIMSTEC links South Asia and Southeast Asia through the Bay of Bengal.
- Statement 2: Correct. Nepal and Bhutan are landlocked but are full members.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Pakistan is not a member of BIMSTEC.
Q2. Consider the following pairs:
| Maritime Initiative | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. SAGAR | Security and Growth for All in the Region |
| 2. MAHASAGAR | Expanded maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific |
| 3. SHANTI | Framework based on norms, trust and integrity for maritime cooperation |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation
All three initiatives are correctly matched and represent the evolution of India’s maritime strategy—from regional security (SAGAR) to broader Indo-Pacific engagement (MAHASAGAR) and finally to cooperative maritime governance based on norms, trust and integrity (SHANTI).
UPSC Mains Practice Question (15 Marks)
“The Bay of Bengal is emerging as the strategic centrepiece of India’s Indo-Pacific vision. In this context, examine the significance of the SHANTI framework in promoting maritime security, regional cooperation and the Blue Economy.” (250 words)
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