Addressing the Intersection of Drug Trafficking, Piracy, and Illicit Fishing in the Indian Ocean Region

The paper focuses at India's marine security requirements in the Indian Ocean Region, with a special focus on the interconnected risks of illegal fishing, piracy, and drug trafficking. It explores the growing importance of the Indian Ocean for international trade as well as the geopolitical context of India's geographic location. The report highlights the increasing sophistication of illicit activity networks while assessing the effects of these transnational crimes on India's economy, ecology, and national security. The paper evaluates India's current counter-narcotics, counterpiracy, and anti-IUU fishing initiatives using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data from marine security reports with qualitative analysis of policy papers and academic literature. It explores how these crimes connect, including which corrupt facilitators and dual-use vessels are involved, and assesses how they affect regional stability. The research highlights the need for improved laws and regulations and cutting-edge technology in its suggestions for improving India's maritime domain awareness, interagency coordination, and regional collaboration. The importance of a comprehensive integrated marine security plan for India's future is highlighted in the final section.