BIMSTEC Maritime Exercise 2024: Key Security Lessons for UPSC & State PCS

31 Oct BIMSTEC Maritime Exercise 2024: Key Security Lessons for UPSC & State PCS

✎ BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-24) is India’s initiative to institutionalise maritime security cooperation in the Bay of Bengal, focusing on joint surveillance, interoperability, and response to non-traditional threats…

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper II — International Relations: Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests  |  GS Paper III — Security: Challenges to Internal Security through External State and Non-State Actors
• Prelims: BIMSTEC, Bay of Bengal, maritime security, littoral states, non-traditional threats, coastal surveillance, SAGAR doctrine, Blue Economy
• Essay: India’s role in shaping regional maritime security architecture in the Indo-Pacific, Multilateralism in addressing transnational security challenges: opportunities and constraints

Quick Revision: BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-24) is India’s initiative to institutionalise maritime security cooperation in the Bay of Bengal, focusing on joint surveillance, interoperability, and response to non-traditional threats under the BIMSTEC framework.

Why is this in the news?

The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-24) was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from 10 to 12 November 2024, marking a significant step in institutionalising maritime security cooperation among BIMSTEC member states. This trilateral naval exercise, involving India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, underscores the growing emphasis on collaborative mechanisms to address non-traditional maritime threats in the region, including piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.

Background

• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) was established in 1997 to promote economic and technical cooperation among littoral and hinterland states of the Bay of Bengal, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Maritime security has emerged as a critical priority for BIMSTEC member states due to the strategic and economic significance of the Bay of Bengal, which serves as a vital trade route and hosts critical infrastructure.
• India’s ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and ‘Act East Policy’ underscore the importance of maritime domain awareness and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The exercise aligns with global initiatives such as the ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative’ (IPOI) and the ‘Blue Economy’ vision, which emphasise sustainable utilisation of ocean resources and collective security.
• Prior to MILES-24, BIMSTEC had conducted joint exercises in disaster management (e.g., BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise 2023) but this marks the first dedicated maritime security drill.
• The Bay of Bengal is a hotspot for non-traditional threats, including piracy, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human trafficking, and maritime terrorism.

What is the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-24)?

• MILES-24 is the inaugural maritime security exercise conducted under the aegis of BIMSTEC, focusing on enhancing interoperability among naval forces of member states.
• The exercise was held in two phases: harbour phase (10–11 November 2024) in Visakhapatnam, India, and sea phase (12 November 2024) in the Bay of Bengal, involving ships, aircraft, and special forces.
• Key objectives included joint surveillance, coordinated response to maritime threats, search and rescue operations, and sharing best practices in maritime domain awareness.
• Participating countries deployed naval assets such as INS *Kolkata* (India), HTMS *Taksin* (Thailand), and SLNS *Sayurala* (Sri Lanka), along with maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
• The exercise incorporated scenarios simulating piracy, smuggling, and search-and-rescue operations to test operational readiness and crisis management protocols.
• It served as a platform for capacity building, including training in maritime law enforcement, hydrographic survey techniques, and cybersecurity for maritime infrastructure.
• The drill also facilitated discussions on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for joint operations, including communication protocols and rules of engagement.
• MILES-24 is part of BIMSTEC’s broader efforts to operationalise the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Cooperation Framework, adopted in 2023.

Key Features

Feature	Significance
Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-24)	First-ever multilateral naval exercise under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), aimed at enhancing regional maritime security cooperation.
Participation of BIMSTEC Member States	Involves naval forces from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, fostering collective capability-building in maritime domain awareness.
Focus on Non-Traditional Threats	Exercises include counter-piracy, anti-human trafficking, search and rescue, and maritime domain awareness to address transnational crime and humanitarian crises.
Joint Operations and Interoperability	Emphasises standardised procedures, communication protocols, and joint drills to improve interoperability among participating navies.
Regional Maritime Security Architecture	Strengthens the BIMSTEC framework for maritime security, complementing existing regional mechanisms like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

Why it Matters

Strategic Security

• Enhances collective maritime security in the Bay of Bengal, a critical geostrategic and economic corridor.

Regional Cooperation

• Demonstrates BIMSTEC’s commitment to functional cooperation in non-traditional security domains, beyond trade and connectivity.

Capacity Building

• Provides a platform for capacity-building in maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and counter-piracy among member states.

Rule-Based Order

• Reinforces adherence to international maritime laws, including UNCLOS, and promotes peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.

Humanitarian Focus

• Addresses non-traditional threats such as human trafficking, illegal migration, and environmental disasters in the maritime domain.

Challenges

1. Limited Institutional Capacity

• Varied levels of maritime infrastructure and operational capabilities among BIMSTEC member states may hinder effective participation.

UPSC Link: GS III: Security challenges

2. Geopolitical Sensitivities

• Divergent strategic interests and historical sensitivities among member states may pose challenges to seamless cooperation.

UPSC Link: GS II: Bilateral groupings

3. Resource Constraints

• Limited financial and logistical resources for sustained maritime security initiatives within the region.

UPSC Link: GS III: Resource allocation

4. Coordination Mechanisms

• Need for robust institutional frameworks to ensure continuity and follow-up actions post-exercise.

UPSC Link: GS II: International organisations

5. Climate Change Impact

• Increased frequency of cyclones, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion exacerbate maritime security challenges.

UPSC Link: GS III: Environmental security

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Issue	Concern
Infrastructure Gaps	Inadequate port facilities, surveillance systems, and naval assets in some member states.
Data Sharing Mechanisms	Lack of standardised protocols for real-time maritime domain awareness and intelligence sharing.
Training and Skill Development	Need for advanced training in cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and hybrid threats in the maritime domain.
Legal Frameworks	Variations in national legislation and enforcement mechanisms for maritime security laws.
Climate-Induced Disasters	Increased vulnerability to cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding affecting maritime operations.

Way Forward

• Establish a BIMSTEC Maritime Security Secretariat to coordinate long-term initiatives and follow-up actions.
• Develop a shared maritime domain awareness platform integrating satellite data, AI, and regional intelligence networks.
• Conduct regular joint exercises focusing on emerging threats such as cyber threats to maritime infrastructure.
• Strengthen port security through capacity-building programs and adherence to international standards (e.g., ISPS Code).
• Promote research and development in maritime technologies, including unmanned systems and AI-driven surveillance.
• Enhance bilateral and multilateral agreements for search and rescue operations and humanitarian assistance.
• Incorporate climate resilience into maritime security strategies to address rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-2026):
1. It is the first-ever maritime security exercise conducted under the aegis of BIMSTEC.
2. The exercise is designed to enhance maritime domain awareness among member states.
3. The exercise includes simulation drills for counter-piracy operations and search-and-rescue missions.
4. The exercise is mandated by the BIMSTEC Charter and is legally binding on member states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All

Answer: Only three — Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct as per the inaugural nature, objectives, and scope of MILES-2026. Statement 4 is incorrect because BIMSTEC exercises are voluntary confidence-building measures and not legally binding.

Q2. Assertion (A): The BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES) aims to address non-traditional security threats in the Bay of Bengal region.

Reason (R): The Bay of Bengal is a critical maritime corridor for trade and energy flows, making it vulnerable to piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental disasters.

In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

1. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
3. A is true, but R is false.
4. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. — Both A and R are true. The exercise is indeed designed to address non-traditional security threats. R correctly explains the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal, which necessitates such collaborative efforts.

Q3. Match the following maritime security initiatives with their respective regional organisations:

Column I (Initiative) Column II (Organisation)
A. MILES-2026 1. ASEAN
B. Milan Exercise 2. BIMSTEC
C. Exercise Cutlass Express 3. Indian Navy
D. Exercise Sea Vigil 4. Africa Partnership Station

Select the correct match:

1. A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
2. A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
3. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
4. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

Answer: A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 — MILES-2026 is a BIMSTEC initiative (A-2). Milan Exercise is conducted by the Indian Navy (B-3). Exercise Cutlass Express is a U.S.-led initiative under the Africa Partnership Station (C-4). Exercise Sea Vigil is an Indian Navy-led coastal security exercise (D-1).

Mains Practice Question

✍ The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (MILES-2026) represents a significant step in addressing non-traditional security threats in the Bay of Bengal region. Critically examine the strategic importance of such exercises for regional maritime governance and cooperation. Also, assess how these initiatives align with India’s broader maritime security strategy in the Indo-Pacific. (15 Marks)

Approach: 1. **Strategic Importance of MILES-2026**:
– Define non-traditional security threats (piracy, illegal fishing, environmental disasters, smuggling) and their impact on regional stability.
– Highlight the Bay of Bengal’s geostrategic significance: major Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), energy transit routes, and economic dependencies.
– Explain how maritime security exercises enhance **maritime domain awareness (MDA)**, **confidence-building measures (CBMs)**, and **collective response mechanisms** among BIMSTEC member states.

2. **Regional Maritime Governance**:
– Role of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation: its mandate, membership (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand), and focus areas.
– Compare with other regional maritime initiatives (e.g., **ASEAN-led exercises**, **Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)**) to illustrate complementarity or gaps.
– Discuss the **UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)** as the foundational legal framework for maritime governance, including dispute resolution and freedom of navigation.

3. **India’s Maritime Security Strategy**:
– India’s **SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)** doctrine and its emphasis on cooperative security, capacity-building, and sustainable use of ocean resources.
– India’s participation in **Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)**, **IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)**, and bilateral/multilateral exercises (e.g., **Malabar Exercise** with the U.S., Japan, and Australia).
– How MILES-2026 aligns with India’s **Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)**, particularly its pillars on **maritime security**, **maritime ecology**, and **maritime resources**.

4. **Challenges and Limitations**:
– Asymmetries in maritime capabilities among BIMSTEC members (e.g., India vs. landlocked Nepal/Bhutan).
– Institutional weaknesses: lack of a permanent secretariat, limited funding, and slow decision-making.
– Geopolitical sensitivities: balancing cooperation with strategic rivalries (e.g., China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean).

5. **Way Forward**:
– Strengthening institutional mechanisms: permanent BIMSTEC maritime security centre, joint patrols, and shared MDA platforms.
– Enhancing interoperability through standardised protocols, joint training, and technology-sharing (e.g., satellite-based surveillance).
– Integrating climate change and disaster response into maritime security frameworks (e.g., **Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction**).

**Balanced View**: Acknowledge the progress made by MILES-2026 while critically assessing its long-term efficacy in addressing the complex, multi-dimensional threats in the region.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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