India’s Coastline: Where ecology, security and the blue economy meet

New Delhi: India’s coastline is more than a geographical boundary. It is an economic resource, an ecological system, a security frontier and home to millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the sea. Bringing these dimensions together, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh has called for a holistic approach to India’s coastline, integrating ecology, security, economy, technology and human development.

Addressing the National Conference on Coastal Ecology, Security and Sustainability (CCESS) 2026 virtually on September 11, Dr Singh said India’s 11,000–12,000 km coastline offers significant opportunities for marine resources and the country’s emerging Blue Economy. He stressed that these opportunities must be pursued alongside environmental protection and the interests of coastal communities.

The Minister highlighted the Deep Ocean Mission as an important part of India’s efforts to explore the largely unexplored resources of the deep sea while developing indigenous capabilities. The development of robots and submersibles for deep-sea exploration, along with the recent launch of the indigenous research vessel ORV Sagar Manthan, reflects the country’s growing capabilities in ocean research and exploration.

For agriculture and allied sectors, the fisheries opportunity is particularly significant. Dr Singh pointed to the potential of marine resources, including fisheries, metals and minerals, to contribute to India’s economic growth. At the same time, he emphasised that expanding the economic potential of the ocean must go hand in hand with improving the livelihoods of coastal communities and protecting marine ecosystems.

Technology is emerging as another critical link. Ocean observation, surveillance, communication, remote sensing and data-driven systems can strengthen both coastal security and scientific understanding of the marine environment. Bringing these capabilities together, Dr Singh called for a broader Coastal India approach, rather than addressing ecology, security, infrastructure and economic development as separate areas.

This integrated approach is particularly relevant as India expands its ports, coastal infrastructure and maritime connectivity. Sustainable development of these assets will require better understanding of coastal and marine environments and closer collaboration between science, policy, industry and local communities.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of citizen participation through the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar campaign, which has been running for the past five years. This year’s campaign is scheduled from September 12 to 19 and will include coastal clean-up activities involving NGOs and other organisations, along with a pledge for keeping India’s coastline clean.

For India’s Blue Economy, therefore, the message is clear: the ocean cannot be viewed simply as a source of resources or a zone of economic activity. Its future lies in balancing productive fisheries, healthy marine ecosystems, secure coastlines, scientific innovation and stronger coastal communities.

The challenge now is to translate this integrated vision into coordinated action, ensuring that India’s vast coastline becomes not only a source of economic opportunity, but also a foundation for sustainable livelihoods and long-term national development.