What do you understand by Non-traditional threats? Discuss while role of Indian Navy towards identification and control of non-traditional threats in Indian Ocean.

May 26, 2022 February 21, 2024

When we think of any sort of threat to a country, it is generally perceived from the angle of military threat wherein integrity, unity and sovereignty of our countru is in danger. But in recent years, there has emerged the concept of Non-Traditional Threats (NDT).
NDT could include threats such as climate change, food security, water, energy security, environment, health, organized crime etc. Other NDT are- human right abuses, genocide, poverty, infections disease and nuclear radiological, chemical and biological weapons; transnational organized crime etc.
The Indian cean is located at a very strategic location and the Indian Navy plays a prominent role in safeguarding it. The ocean also goes through NDTs. The navy, with the help of Indian Coast Guard, maritime wing of police, governments of states with coastlines and intelligence agencies plays a significant role to keep it safe.
Some of the NDTs faced in the Indian Ocean include-
Maritime terrorism and piracy- The navy is able to address it through kinetic means.
Humanitariangoes through assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
Search and rescue (SAR)
Pollution control- It is under the ambit of the Coast Guard, but the Indian Navy provides the required assistance that is sought.
The Indian Navy undertakes a co-operative security formula, wherein in a friendly manner, it undertakes coordinated operations, bilateral exercises, security assistance and military-to-military dialogue with foreign nations.
Further, the Indian Navy also ensures security of International Shipping Lanes.
Also bilateral coordinated patrols are undertaken to keep a safe watch on the region.
The Indian Navy is also undertaking training initiatives with friendly navies of other countries in the region to keep it safe.