BSF plans marine battalion, drone squadron to secure Sundarbans against infiltration, smuggling
A marine battalion comprising more than 1,100 personnel, a
squadron of about 40 drones and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are part of a plan
devised by the BSF to secure the strategic Sunderbans mangrove region along the
India Bangladesh border against smuggling and infiltration.
The Sunderbans, the world's largest mangrove forest cover
region is an archipelago of over 100 islands and a complex network of streams,
rivers, tidal creeks and channels spread over an area of 9,630 sq km in India.
The rest falls in Bangladesh.
It lies on the delta of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna
rivers in the Bay of Bengal. "Sunderbans effective domination and security
is the need of the hour, as there are inputs suggesting this area is being used
for cross-border infiltration criminals.
The new battalion will have more than 1,100 trained
personnel and about 40 large drones and 12-14 ATVs will be deployed. The plan
will be set in motion once the proposal is approved by the Ministry of Home
Affairs.
The BSF, at present, patrols the Sunderbans area with a
fleet of about 50 small and large speedboats and vessels.
BSF has also communicated its plan to the West Bengal
government seeking its permission for stationing a small team of its patrol
parties (personnel on foot patrol) in Forest Department 'chowkis' located in
the Sunderbans.
Ensuring Maritime Security:
The recent interference
by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, disrupting shipping traffic, serves as a stark
reminder of the susceptibility of global maritime trade. This disruption led to
a surge in oil prices on Monday afternoon, underlining the geopolitical risks
associated with shipping lanes.
Major shipping
companies refrained from using the Bab el-Mandeb strait in response to the
Houthi attacks over the past four days, causing repercussions worldwide.
The Significance of
Maritime Trade:
The majority of global merchandise trade relies heavily on shipping,
constituting approximately 80% of world trade by volume, according to estimates
by Unctad. For India, this dependence is even more pronounced, with shipping
accounting for 95% of its merchandise trade.
Chokepoints in the
Indian Ocean:
While oceans cover 97% of the Earth's water bodies, a handful of straits in the
Indian Ocean play a pivotal role in maritime trade. The straits of Malacca,
Hormuz, and Bab el-Mandeb are crucial chokepoints through which nearly 40% of
the world's oil production flows. Unfortunately, these chokepoints are
susceptible to threats from various non-state actors, posing a risk to global
trade.
Persistent Threat of
Piracy:
Political instability in regions surrounding these straits has historically
given rise to piracy as a disruptive force. Somali pirates operating in the Red
Sea and the Mozambique Channel have posed a significant threat, prompting the
UN Security Council to adopt resolutions, albeit with limited effectiveness.
Ongoing Piracy
Challenges:
Despite efforts to combat piracy, the International Maritime Bureau reports a
10% increase in incidents from January to September 2023. Pirates have
successfully boarded 89% of targeted vessels, with the Singapore Straits being
particularly vulnerable.
South China Sea
Concerns:
Beyond non-state actors, potential disruptions in the South China Sea, a vital
link between the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, raise concerns. China's
maritime claims in this region could impact this critical shipping route,
further emphasizing the need for global attention to maritime security.
India's Role and
Challenges:
India actively deploys its navy to protect merchant vessels, contributing
significantly to global seafaring. However, Indian seafarers often fall victim
to pirate attacks. The Indian government and states should provide increased
institutional support, with a focus on the National Welfare Board for
Seafarers, to enhance the safety and well-being of these essential contributors
to global maritime trade.
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