The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline, is a critical maritime domain where nations exercise sovereign rights over natural resources and jurisdiction over environmental and economic activities. As defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the EEZ is vital for coastal states like Mauritius, which rely heavily on marine resources, and for regional powers like India, which prioritize maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
A key aspect of managing this vast zone is EEZ surveillance, which ensures the protection of national interests, prevents illegal activities, and fosters regional cooperation. The recent visit of the Indian Naval Ship Sunayna (IOS SAGAR) to Port Louis, Mauritius, on April 26, 2025, exemplifies India’s commitment to joint EEZ surveillance, reinforcing maritime security and bilateral ties under its ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
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The Role of EEZ Surveillance
EEZ surveillance involves monitoring and patrolling a nation’s maritime zone to safeguard economic, environmental, and security interests. Its primary objectives include:
- Combating Illegal Activities: Preventing illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking, and piracy, which threaten economic stability and maritime safety.
- Environmental Protection: Ensuring compliance with regulations to protect marine ecosystems from pollution and overexploitation.
- Maritime Security: Detecting unauthorized vessels or intrusions to maintain sovereignty and deter potential threats.
- Humanitarian Support: Facilitating search and rescue operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
For small island nations like Mauritius, with a vast EEZ of approximately 2.3 million square kilometers, effective surveillance is challenging due to limited resources. Collaborative efforts with partners like India, which has a robust navy and advanced maritime capabilities, are crucial for ensuring security and sustainable resource management.
Methods and Technologies in EEZ Surveillance
Effective EEZ surveillance requires a combination of assets and technologies to monitor expansive maritime areas:
- Naval Vessels: Ships like INS Sunayna conduct patrols, leveraging radar and visual monitoring to track vessel movements.
- Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Aircraft provide aerial surveillance, covering large areas quickly with advanced sensors.
- Satellites and Drones: Satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer real-time data for remote monitoring.
- Coastal Radar and AIS: Shore-based radar stations and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) track vessels to detect anomalies.
- Joint Operations: Collaborative patrols, like the India-Mauritius effort, enhance resource sharing and regional coordination.
These tools enable nations to maintain a robust maritime domain awareness, ensuring timely responses to potential threats or violations.
Challenges in EEZ Surveillance
Despite its importance, EEZ surveillance faces several challenges:
- Vast Coverage Area: Monitoring a 200-nautical-mile zone requires significant resources, often straining smaller nations like Mauritius.
- Technological Gaps: Limited access to advanced surveillance systems can hinder real-time monitoring.
- Geopolitical Sensitivities: Overlapping EEZ claims or foreign vessel activities can escalate tensions, particularly in the IOR.
- Environmental Factors: Harsh weather and sea conditions can complicate operations, affecting patrol effectiveness.
Joint initiatives, such as those between India and Mauritius, help address these challenges by pooling resources, sharing expertise, and fostering trust.
India’s Role in Regional Maritime Security
India’s commitment to EEZ surveillance aligns with its broader vision of ‘SAGAR,’ which promotes collective security and prosperity in the IOR. By supporting Mauritius through joint patrols, capacity-building, and personnel training, India enhances the region’s maritime security framework. The inclusion of multinational crew members on IOS SAGAR reflects India’s leadership in fostering a collaborative approach to maritime challenges, encouraging mutual learning and interoperability among IOR nations.
The ‘Make in India’ initiative is also evident in the deployment of indigenously built vessels like INS Sunayna, showcasing India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. Such efforts not only strengthen India’s maritime presence but also inspire confidence among regional partners.
India-Mauritius Joint EEZ Surveillance: A Case Study
On April 26, 2025, the Indian Naval Ship Sunayna, operating as IOS SAGAR, arrived at Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius, after completing Phase I of joint EEZ surveillance with the Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG). Having departed from Karwar, India, on April 5, 2025, the ship carried 44 naval personnel from nine IOR nations, including two officers and six sailors from Mauritius. This multinational crew underscores India’s emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, and collective maritime security under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
The joint surveillance operation focused on monitoring Mauritius’ EEZ to deter illegal activities and enhance maritime domain awareness. INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), is well-equipped for such missions, featuring medium and close-range gunnery, modern electronic warfare suites, missile defense systems, and the capability to carry a helicopter for enhanced surveillance. The ship’s visit to Port Louis marked a significant milestone in India-Mauritius defence cooperation, reflecting the deep and time-tested bonds between the two nations.
The warm reception in Mauritius, attended by Commissioner of Police Mr. Sooroojebally R, PMSM, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Police Force, Indian High Commission, and NCG, highlighted the strength of bilateral ties. Dignitaries toured the ship and interacted with the multinational crew, fostering goodwill and collaboration.
During the two-day port call, planned activities included visits by the IOS SAGAR crew to Mauritius’ Maritime Air Squadron, Special Mobile Force Squadron, and Police Helicopter Squadron, as well as a meeting between the Commissioner of Police and the crew at Police Headquarters. Public engagement was facilitated through an open ship day on April 27, alongside events like trekking, a joint yoga session, and friendly sports matches, which strengthened interpersonal ties.
Upon departure, IOS SAGAR was set to undertake Phase II of the joint EEZ surveillance with the NCG before proceeding to Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission to promote regional maritime security.
Exclusive Economic Zone: Conclusion
The joint EEZ surveillance conducted by INS Sunayna and the Mauritius NCG exemplifies the power of international cooperation in safeguarding maritime domains. By combining advanced technology, skilled personnel, and shared objectives, India and Mauritius are setting a model for regional maritime security. The EEZ, as a critical economic and strategic asset, demands vigilant protection, and collaborative efforts like these ensure its sustainable use while reinforcing bilateral ties. As IOS SAGAR continues its journey to Seychelles, India’s role as a reliable partner in the IOR remains steadfast, paving the way for a secure and prosperous maritime future.
