- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the use of AI and unmanned systems for maritime security.
- Odisha hosted the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group meeting for the first time outside New Delhi.
- The state is expanding maritime infrastructure through a deep-sea port and shipbuilding projects.
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha maritime security agenda received fresh momentum as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), unmanned systems and advanced monitoring networks to strengthen coastal surveillance and protect strategic assets. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (Policy) meeting in Bhubaneswar, he highlighted the growing complexity of maritime threats and the need for technology-driven solutions.
The Chief Minister said maritime security today extends far beyond traditional law enforcement. It now includes safeguarding critical infrastructure, ensuring cyber security, enhancing maritime domain awareness, managing disasters and protecting environmental resources.
Odisha Maritime Security Strategy Focuses on Technology and Coastal Development
Majhi highlighted initiatives such as the installation of NABHMITRA transponders in fishing boats and the implementation of the Coastal Vibrant Village Programme as important steps toward strengthening coastal security infrastructure.
He noted that India’s seas and coastal assets are vital to national prosperity. Ports, fisheries, maritime trade routes and the Blue Economy play a significant role in economic growth and support millions of livelihoods. Protecting these resources, he said, is essential for both national security and sustainable development.
The Chief Minister also emphasized Odisha’s strategic maritime importance. With a coastline stretching nearly 575 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal, the state has historically served as a gateway for trade and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia, a legacy still celebrated through Bali Jatra.
Why Odisha Maritime Security Is Becoming Increasingly Important
Majhi observed that the Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the centre of global economic and strategic activity. As India seeks to strengthen its position as a maritime power, coastal states such as Odisha will play a crucial role in supporting national objectives.
The second-order impact of stronger maritime security could extend beyond defence. Enhanced surveillance, safer shipping routes and improved coastal infrastructure can encourage investment, boost port-led industrialisation and support the expansion of the Blue Economy.
To reinforce Odisha’s maritime position, the state is developing a deep-sea port in Ganjam and establishing a shipbuilding cluster near Paradip. These projects are expected to improve logistics capabilities, create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s contribution to India’s maritime growth.
Retired Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, National Maritime Security Coordinator, stressed that maritime challenges require coordinated action among multiple agencies rather than a single security model. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg also urged policymakers to balance the security and development needs of islands and coastal communities.
The discussions highlighted a growing consensus that technology, inter-agency coordination and strategic infrastructure investments will be key to building a safer and more resilient maritime ecosystem for India in the coming decades.
Also Read | Odisha CM Welcomes Kavach East Coast Railway Project on 631 KM Rail Network
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