Sea Power Strategy of Gujarat – Sea Laws

India is an important maritime country. This fact arises out of its geographical location. Indian history is also replete with references to our maritime and seafaring traditions, shipbuilding and commercial activities. Yet in areas of maritime security there has been laxity and serious neglect over the years. The Indian subcontinent, lapped by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, thrusts deep into the Indian Ocean. Our island territories are spread far and wide and some of them lie closer to other countries than to mainland India. In fact, countries like Thailand and Indonesia are not our immediate neighbours, but share maritime boundaries. They become our neighbours too. According to the International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, III 1982) Peninsular India together with the islands, has a vast maritime space.