The School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies (SICMSS) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) successfully concluded the second edition of its flagship programme, SAMUNDRARAKSHAN 2.0, on Thursday, coinciding with Indian Navy Day. The two-day conclave, held at the Gandhinagar campus in Gujarat served as a vital platform for over 200 policymakers, security experts, and practitioners to strengthen India’s coastal security architecture under the strategic vision of SAGAR to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of India’s new state-of-the-art Maritime Simulator Lab. This dedicated facility is poised to revolutionise training for the Indian Maritime Forces and international partners under the Ministry of External Affairs’ ITEC programme, offering hands-on experience in critical operations, including maritime interdiction, search and rescue, law enforcement, and marine pollution response.
The event featured addresses from key leaders on the crucial need for a unified approach. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd), National Maritime Security Coordinator, delivered a virtual address where he explained the program’s unique role in promoting collaborative approaches and highlighted India’s “Blue Acceleration” over the last 25 years. He emphasised the significant benefits for participating officials from the new Simulator Lab.
Praveer Ranjan, Director General of the CISF, stressed the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach to securing the coastline. He expressed confidence in his force’s ability to successfully replicate its aviation security model in port security, leveraging a cadre of professionals trained at RRU, and urged for greater technological infusion, including AI, across all processes.
Prof (Dr) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of RRU, underlined India’s emergence as a “steady lighthouse in rough global seas,” echoing the Prime Minister’s vision. He praised the replacement of colonial shipping laws with futuristic reforms and highlighted RRU’s commitment to cutting-edge training, including the collaboration with the National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP).
The conclave drew personnel from 13 coastal states’ Marine Police, the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and port authorities. Discussions focused on integrating advanced surveillance technologies, addressing the implications of climate change, and counter-narcotics operations through Indian ports, reinforcing RRU’s commitment to enhancing maritime consciousness nationally and globally.
