National Maritime Domain Awareness from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

NATIONAL MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS

WHY IN NEWS?

• On 8 July 2025, the Indian Navy signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, for the implementation of the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project.
• The project aims to strengthen maritime and coastal security by improving real-time surveillance, data sharing, and decision-making using AI-powered systems.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Entity	Role
Indian Navy	Project administrator
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)	Lead integrator (hardware + AI software)

What is the Objective of NMDA Project? To enhance maritime domain awareness through better integration of data from multiple stakeholders, improving surveillance, coordination, and security along India’s vast coastline and maritime zones. WHAT DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE?

Component	Details
Upgrade of NC3I Network	The existing National Command, Control, Communication & Intelligence (NC3I) network will be upgraded to the NMDA Network
AI-Enabled Software	Incorporation of artificial intelligence tools for smarter, faster decision-making and threat detection
IMAC Upgradation	The current Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) at Gurugram will become a Multi-Agency NMDA Centre
Multi-agency Collaboration	New centre to host staff from 15 agencies across 7 key ministries – including Defence, Shipping, Petroleum, Fisheries, etc.
Linking Stakeholders	Connects coastal states, Union Territories, and central maritime agencies into one unified system
Integration of Other Sectors	Includes data from commercial shipping, fisheries, and other maritime sectors
Response Readiness	Improves coordination for search and rescue, maritime threats, environmental incidents, and illegal activities
Turnkey Execution	Project to be implemented end-to-end by BEL, with Indian Navy oversight

 WHY THIS MATTERS?

Benefit	Explanation
Stronger Coastal Security	Ensures real-time tracking of vessels and potential threats along India’s 7,500 km coastline
Inter-agency Coordination	Breaks silos between ministries and agencies; enables fast, joint action in emergencies
AI-driven Surveillance	Modern AI tools improve accuracy and speed of detection
Maritime Sovereignty	Reinforces India’s control over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and strategic sea routes
Disaster & Rescue Support	Better coordination during natural disasters, oil spills, marine accidents, etc.

 ABOUT NC3I & IMAC

Term	Full Form	Function
NC31	National Command, Control, Communication & Intelligence Network	Existing Navy-led maritime surveillance system
IMAC	Information Management and Analysis Centre	Nodal agency of NC3I, located at Gurugram, operational since 2014

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