Regulating Maritime Piracy: India's Efforts And Global Perspectives

Vidhyth Narain Selvam, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur

1. INTRODUCTION:

Maritime piracy has emerged as a pressing global issue, posing serious threats to international security, maritime trade, and the safety of seafarers. With its vast coastline and strategic geographical location, India has become an important player in the fight against maritime piracy. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of India's efforts in regulating maritime piracy, while also exploring the broader global perspectives on this complex issue.

The history of maritime piracy dates back centuries, with pirates plundering trade routes and disrupting international shipping throughout the ages. In the modern era, piracy has evolved due to factors such as political instability, economic disparities, and advancements in technology. Today, maritime piracy is a complex phenomenon involving organized criminal networks, illicit activities, and violence against seafarers. To combat this pervasive threat, international legal frameworks and conventions have been established to address piracy and armed robbery at sea. Various conventions, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA Convention), provide a foundation for combating piracy globally.

India, as a responsible maritime nation, recognizes the significance of combatting piracy for the sake of its own security, trade, and regional stability. India's legal framework for addressing maritime piracy is built upon both international conventions and national legislation. The Indian Admiralty Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf Act are among the key legislative instruments that empower Indian authorities to take action against pirates.