KD NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI, May 21: India has stepped up efforts to strengthen the security of its offshore energy assets and maritime infrastructure as the 138th Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) meeting concluded in Ahmedabad on Thursday under the chairmanship of Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani.
The high-level meeting assumed major significance amid growing concerns over evolving maritime threats, including drone-enabled attacks, unmanned surveillance systems, cyber vulnerabilities, and the increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Senior officials from India’s defence, intelligence, maritime, and energy sectors gathered to review the country’s offshore security preparedness and formulate coordinated responses to emerging challenges.
The OSCC meeting focused on enhancing the protection framework for India’s offshore installations, oil rigs, and critical energy infrastructure located across strategic maritime zones. Officials stressed that the security environment in the Indian Ocean Region has become increasingly complex due to rapid technological advancements in modern warfare and the expanding presence of non-traditional threats.
The deliberations were held in the context of the evolving global and regional security environment, modern warfare dynamics including unmanned and drone-enabled threats, and the expanding offshore exploration activities in the Andaman and Nicobar region. The island territories are strategically important for India because of their proximity to key international shipping routes and growing energy exploration operations.
The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Indian Navy, Indian Air Force (IAF), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Directorate General of Shipping, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and state police forces. The presence of multiple agencies reflected the government’s integrated approach towards securing offshore and coastal infrastructure.
Officials reviewed current threat perceptions surrounding offshore assets and examined mechanisms to improve operational coordination among various maritime and security agencies. Discussions reportedly included strengthening maritime domain awareness through advanced surveillance technologies, coastal radar systems, aerial reconnaissance, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and integrated response networks.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participating agencies to bolster offshore defence mechanisms and ensure the safety of India’s maritime economic interests. Commandant Amit Uniyal, Public Relations Officer of the Indian Coast Guard, later issued the official press brief on the proceedings of the meeting.
Particular attention during the discussions was directed toward the growing risk posed by drone-enabled threats. Security experts noted that unmanned aerial and maritime systems are increasingly being used globally for reconnaissance, sabotage, and asymmetric warfare operations targeting critical infrastructure. Officials emphasized the need for robust counter-drone capabilities and real-time monitoring systems to secure offshore platforms and maritime installations.
The Committee also focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness, inter-agency coordination, surveillance capabilities, and joint response mechanisms to effectively tackle emerging offshore security challenges.
Improved interoperability between defence forces, intelligence agencies, coastal authorities, and civilian stakeholders was identified as a key priority to ensure swift and coordinated action during emergencies at sea.
India’s offshore energy infrastructure remains a vital component of the nation’s economic and energy security framework. Offshore oil and gas fields contribute significantly to domestic production, making their protection essential for ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies and safeguarding national interests.
The OSCC reaffirmed its commitment to continuous modernization, enhanced preparedness, and stronger coordination mechanisms to counter evolving maritime threats. Officials said the meeting marked another important step in reinforcing India’s offshore security architecture at a time when maritime strategic challenges continue to grow across the region.
