Use AI, unmanned systems to boost maritime security: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi

Bhubaneswar,UPDATED: Jun 24, 2026 17:46 IST

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday stressed the use of AI and other advanced technologies to strengthen the country’s coastline security, saying maritime security is vital not only for national security but also for economic development and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the sea.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 14th Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (Policy) meeting in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the scope of maritime security had widened beyond traditional law-and-order concerns to include the protection of critical infrastructure, cyber security, disaster management, environmental conservation and maritime awareness. The meeting is being held outside New Delhi for the first time.

Majhi said, “The use of AI, unmanned systems and modern monitoring networks in the field of maritime security is the need of the hour.” He said the installation of ‘NABHMITRA’ transponders in fishing boats and initiatives such as the Coastal Vibrant Village Programme were important steps towards strengthening maritime security. He also praised the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Odisha Police and other agencies involved in maritime border security.

Saying the 21st century is widely regarded as the Indo-Pacific century, Majhi said India was emerging as a major maritime power. “This high-level national meeting is being held in Odisha for the first time.

It reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to cooperative federalism and the country’s federal structure,” he said. Describing seas, ports, fisheries and the blue economy as vital national assets, he said, “Their protection is not only essential for the security of the country, but also for economic development and the well-being of the livelihoods of millions of coastal people who depend on the sea.”

Highlighting Odisha’s maritime heritage, the chief minister said the state’s 575-km coastline along the Bay of Bengal was a valuable asset. Recalling ancient Kalinga’s maritime links with countries in Southeast Asia, he said the Bali Jatra festival continued to symbolise those historic trade and cultural ties.

Majhi said Odisha had been playing a significant role in India’s maritime growth story and added, “To further strengthen the state’s maritime strategic position, a deep-sea port is being developed at Ganjam and a shipbuilding cluster is coming up near Paradip.” He said the state government fully supported the Centre’s initiatives, including SAGAR, the Act East Policy, BIMSTEC and the Coastal Security Scheme Phase-III.

National Maritime Security Coordinator and retired Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta said maritime security required a comprehensive and well-defined framework. “It is very difficult to find a specific model for maritime security. A well-thought-out strategic framework needs to be developed based on various models,” he said.

Dasgupta added that the National Maritime Security Office in New Delhi was taking several steps to create awareness and guide coastal states on maritime security issues. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said maritime security should not be seen only through a military or security lens, and urged senior officers to give equal importance to the security and development of both the main coastal areas and the islands in the sea. The conference was also attended by the chief minister’s adviser Prakash Mishra, DGP YB Khurania and others, with the discussions centring on stronger coordination, better technology use and broader planning for maritime security.

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