UPSC Mains 2025 GS3 Q20 — Internal security, Maritime security

• The linkage between maritime security and the Indian economy/energy security (Blue Economy).
• Distinction between deep-sea maritime challenges (state-sponsored) and coastal security vulnerabilities (non-state/asymmetric).
• Evaluation of existing institutional frameworks like the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS).
• Technological and diplomatic interventions required for a robust security architecture.

• Focusing only on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks without discussing modern threats like drone warfare or cyber-attacks on port infrastructure.
• Failing to distinguish between 'maritime' (high seas, SLOCs) and 'coastal' (shoreline, creeks, local fishing communities) security.
• Ignoring the economic data, such as 95% of trade by volume and 68% by value moving through the sea.
• Providing a generic 'way forward' without mentioning specific initiatives like SAGAR, Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), or the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project.

Allocate 4-5 marks (75 words) to the nexus between sea trade and security. Spend 6-7 marks (100 words) on a balanced discussion of both maritime and coastal challenges. Use the remaining 3-4 marks (75 words) for a specific, multi-layered way forward encompassing policy, technology, and international cooperation.