Over the last few months Bangladesh has been boiling to say the least. All eyes were glued to TV screens and news portals as the political unrest in the country took a violent turn. And it ultimately reached a crescendo with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

While everyone was busy analyzing what this meant for India in the dynamics of South Asian politics, my eyes were peeled to the coast. In a situation like this there are always two sides to the coin.

On the one hand, India has to adjust and rethink its long-term political stance in the region. On the other hand, it must ensure the safety and security of its borders immediately.

Here’s how things have unfolded since then.

What is the Strategic Importance of the Bay of Bengal?

I’m looking first at the Bay of Bengal — a major maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. More importantly, it’s crucial for global trade and energy security, and is home to valuable natural resources crucial for the region’s food security.

The most vital aspect is that Bangladesh is a stone’s throw away from India.

For full container load (FCL) shipping containers it takes 15 days to reach Chittagong. But traveling to Khulna and Mongla takes less than a day.

No one knows this better than the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). So, they have deployed a range of assets.

Monitoring the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Bangladesh currently are —

• Surveillance ships
• Dornier aircraft
• Helicopters/UAVs
• Coastal RADAR systems
• Interceptor boats
• Electro-Optical systems
• HF/VHF – Radio network

What are the Major Security Concerns for the ICG?

The first thing that crossed my mind when I followed the Bangladesh story was the plight of the people. Common people are always the first to suffer amidst a tussle for power.

And when their houses or shops are burnt, and their livelihoods snatched by cruel fate they are forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The fact that illegal migration attempts would be made into India out of desperation, was a no brainer.

This could strain resources and create socio-political tensions in border states, like Tripura, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya. Moreover, political unrest opens the doors to other threats that India must take into consideration.

• The Bay of Bengal has historically been a route for smuggling and other illicit activities.
• The maritime domain is increasingly becoming a focal point for geopolitical maneuvering among regional powers.

How is ICG Handling the Issue?

The ICG has intensified patrolling, particularly in sensitive areas like the Sundarban Creek. Those who don’t know, the Sundarbans stretches across India and Bangladesh and could offer easy access to unauthorized vessels during times like these.

So, this shows a proactive effort by the ICG to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and infiltration.

All vessels near the border are being inspected, while the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border.  There is increasing coordination with local police and the Navy to prevent all infiltration attempts.

Additional personnel and resources have also been deployed in coastal districts of Odisha to enhance security measures.

Understanding the ICG’s Advanced Maritime Security Efforts

It’s all very well talking about how the ICG has handled the situation. But how?

Here’s a low down for you.

Surface Surveillance

The ICG has enhanced surface surveillance along the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) using Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs).

• OPVs are large vessels capable of prolonged patrols.
• FPVs are smaller and faster ships used for coastal security.

Layered Surface Surveillance

To provide comprehensive coverage, the ICG has instituted multiple layers of patrol vessels at varying distances from the coastline.

Sea-Air Coordinated Aerial Surveillance

The ICG has augmented sea-air coordinated aerial surveillance along the IMBL. Coast Guard aircraft, including Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, are conducting patrols from bases in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar

24/7 Operation of Coastal Surveillance Radars

Coastal surveillance radars at Haldia, Paradeep, and Gopalpur are operating 24/7 to monitor India’s close coastal regions.

Boarding and Inspection of Vessels Near the IMBL

ICG ships have been instructed to board and inspect all fishing boats and vessels found near the Indo-Bangladesh IMBL or within creek areas.

How can AI Help During Such Situations?

If the Bangladesh turmoil is any indication, geopolitical tensions are increasing. Even when nations aren’t directly involved in a crisis they have to be prepared and ready to mitigate all threats.

In an ever unpredictable landscape, AI gives maritime authorities an overview of the emerging situation.

Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities

AI algorithms can analyze geospatial data from satellite imagery and coastal radars in near real-time. For instance, using Sentinel-2 satellite data, which captures data across 13 spectral bands, AI can identify suspicious vessel behavior.

Improved Decision-Making

During crises like the current unrest in Bangladesh, the ability to assess threats in real-time is critical. AI can automate the analysis of incoming data, flagging potential threats and allowing the ICG to respond rapidly. This is possible with information from various surveillance systems, including coastal radars at Haldia, Paradeep, and Gopalpur, as well as AIS data.

Environmental Monitoring

AI can detect illegal fishing activities and monitor for oil spills or other pollutants. For example, AI algorithms can process satellite imagery to identify unauthorized fishing vessels operating in protected areas, enabling authorities to take swift action against illegal activities.

Defense Operations

The Sundarbans region is known for its complex waterways and is a hotspot for smuggling and illegal migration. AI can analyze vessel behavior and detect patterns indicative of smuggling operations even in dense mangroves, allowing the ICG to deploy resources more effectively.

Dark Ship Identification

AI can complement existing AIS systems by providing coverage in areas where smaller vessels may not be equipped with transponders. This capability is vital for comprehensive maritime domain awareness, particularly during periods of increased unrest.

What are the Implications of AI for India?

The common question to ask is — the ICG was always well-prepared, so why use AI?

It’s the same as the difference between a boat and a yacht. It offers something more.

In this case, an added

Common Operational Picture (COP): Creates heightened situational awareness with accurate data from multiple sensors. It provides a unified view of relevant operational information that can be accessed by various military teams for greater collaboration and execution by the armed forces.

Strengthened Security Posture: AI technologies can process vast amounts of data from various sources, including satellite imagery, radar systems, electro-optical systems and AIS. This capability is essential for timely interventions, especially when the unrest in Bangladesh may lead to increased attempts at illegal crossings.

Diplomatic Engagement: India can develop a shared intelligence platform with neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, by using AI. Such a platform could facilitate real-time information sharing about maritime activities, enhancing collective security efforts.

Military Readiness: AI can monitor high-risk zones like the IMBL, allowing military planners to assess various outcomes and prepare accordingly. For instance, AI can help predict where illegal activities are likely to occur, enabling the Navy to allocate resources more efficiently.

If you want to know how AI is changing the maritime security landscape, read this eBook. It’s called Dead Reckoning: The AI Takeover of Maritime Operations. You will find insights about the evolving maritime landscape and how AI is helping us stay ahead of unpredictability and preventing disruptions.