India: UNODC and IFC-IOR conduct regional tabletop exercise to tackle crimes at sea and strengthen maritime security

Gurugram, India/07 December 2024: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), in collaboration with the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), successfully conducted a three-day Tabletop Exercise (TTX) to bolster collaborative maritime security efforts in the Indian Ocean Region. The exercise brought together key stakeholders to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen the legal response to maritime crimes.

The TTX aimed to bridge the gap between detecting maritime crimes and achieving successful prosecutions, referred to as “legal finish.” Through simulated real-world scenarios, participants analyzed complex maritime threats, explored legal challenges, and discussed strategies for improving evidence collection and international collaboration.

“This exercise provided a unique platform to address maritime security challenges and strengthen regional partnerships. By connecting MDA efforts with legal processes, we can enhance responses to maritime crimes,” said the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Communication, Space & Network Centric Operations), Indian Navy.

The event saw participation from 30 maritime and legal professionals across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and India, alongside IFC-IOR International Liaison Officers. Experts from UNODC GMCP provided legal guidance, ensuring a robust understanding of legal frameworks in addressing piracy, drug trafficking, and pollution crimes among many other maritime crimes.

The IFC-IOR played a pivotal role in conducting the TTX, coordinating as the control team to ensure the seamless execution of the exercise. Participants were divided into multi-agency syndicates to tackle two phases of the exercise: detection and interdiction of suspicious vessels, followed by linking MDA data to legal prosecution processes.

The effectiveness of the exercise was enhanced by utilising Indian Navy’s information sharing software which was specially modified to meet requirement of the TTX.

Key themes included compliance with national laws and international commitments, effective first response, adherence to legal jurisdiction, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring the admissibility of evidence in court.

The exercise highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and legal compliance in combating maritime crimes. Key outcomes included improved coordination between MDA personnel and prosecution authorities, strengthened capacity to use MDA data as digital evidence in court and enhanced understanding of achieving “legal finish” through effective judicial processes.

The TTX concluded with recommendations for follow-up engagements such as additional workshops and online modules to sustain momentum. The event marked a significant step in fostering a synchronized, multi-agency response to maritime threats across the Indian Ocean Region.