India’s relations with its neighbors stand on their own and are independent of the relations of those countries with third countries. The Government has a well-articulated policy of ‘Neighborhood first’ with a focus on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. The government carefully monitors any developments having a bearing on India’s security and economic interests, and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them.
The Government has taken a number of measures to strengthen coastal, Offshore, and maritime security. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and State Marine Police along with other agencies such as Customs and Port Trusts patrol the Maritime Zone of India using surface and air assets to detect and check infiltration. Further, electronic surveillance of maritime zone is undertaken using radars, Automatic Identification Systems, open sources, etc. The government has also set up Joint Operation Center, Information Management Centre, and National Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligent Network. Sagar Prahari Bal with Fast Intercepting Crafts and Immediate Support Vessels have been established for the security of the Offshore Development Area. The Standard Operating Procedures for coordination among various agencies on coastal security issues have been formulated. Besides this, Exercises with various security agencies are conducted regularly to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms. Towards engaging coastal and fishing communities, Community Interaction and Awareness Programmes are being regularly conducted by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Security of Atomic Power Plants at Kalpakkam and Kudankulam is entrusted to the Central Industrial Security Force (CSIF). In addition units of the Army, Air Defence (AAD), and Air Force are placed for Air defence at Kalpakkam and Kudankulam.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Dr. T Sumathy (A) Thamizhachi Thangapandian in Lok Sabha today.
