The Earth is often referred to as the Blue Planet due to the vast expanses of oceans covering three-quarters of its surface. Despite this, our knowledge of the oceans remains limited, making them a poorly charted territory compared to other areas like the heliosphere.
Weather patterns heavily rely on ocean temperatures and currents, highlighting the crucial role oceans play in our daily lives. They absorb excess carbon emissions and offer avenues for exploration. However, our understanding of the oceans lags behind that of space-related phenomena.
The integration of space technology, particularly geospatial applications, has revolutionized various fields like meteorology and oceanography. Both disciplines benefit greatly from space data in studying weather patterns, climate changes, and interactions between land and sea.
Moreover, ocean navigation relies on GNSS satellites, while ocean communications utilize satellite networks. The use of space-based geospatial data extends to fisheries management, maritime security, and environmental monitoring to safeguard marine resources.
As nations developed advanced shipbuilding and navigation techniques, they ventured into uncharted waters, discovering new lands, establishing trade routes, and even engaging in colonization. This maritime expansion led to conflicts at sea, prompting countries to include naval forces in their national security strategies.
In today’s context, the realm of national security has expanded to encompass space as a strategic domain. The establishment of military Space Commands worldwide underscores the growing importance of space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.
While these Commands currently focus on enhancing surveillance capabilities, there are concerns about the potential weaponization of space, reflecting a broader trend towards militarizing outer space. Regions like the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific have become hotspots for geopolitical tensions, with major powers vying for influence.
India, with its robust space capabilities, can play a pivotal role in strengthening the security architecture of the Indian Ocean rim countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region. By fostering greater cooperation and interoperability among regional stakeholders, India can mitigate maritime threats and enhance maritime domain awareness.
In conclusion, the strategic significance of oceans and outer space underscores the need for a comprehensive security framework that leverages space-based technologies for monitoring, surveillance, and response capabilities. By embracing innovation and collaboration, nations can safeguard their maritime interests and uphold stability in key maritime domains.
