India, as a founding member of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), is intensifying its collaboration with the Singapore-based Information Sharing Centre (ISC), as reported by the facility’s Executive Director, Vijay D Chafekar. This move aims to bolster maritime security in the region.
Chafekar emphasized the expectation for enhanced cooperation with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the Indian Focal Point of ReCAAP, to promote safer seas across Asia. “We anticipate closer ties to facilitate more effective responses to maritime threats,” Chafekar stated in an interview with PTI.
ReCAAP’s Role and Membership
ReCAAP, established as a government-to-government framework for enhancing maritime security, consists of 21 countries across Asia. The organization has garnered interest beyond its immediate region, reflecting a growing awareness of maritime security challenges.
While the majority of maritime incidents recently involve theft of engine components and machinery spares, the occurrence of severe threats such as crew kidnappings or ship hijackings has significantly decreased in recent years. Chafekar, who has led ReCAAP for the past year, indicated that despite a decrease in severe incidents, vigilance remains crucial.
Upcoming Anniversary and Future Challenges
ReCAAP is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary with an event scheduled for March in Singapore. Member country representatives will convene to discuss strategies and future plans. A high-ranking delegation from India is expected to attend.
Despite positive engagement with law enforcement agencies and successful operational frameworks enabling safe passage through Asian waters, challenges remain, particularly in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). Chafekar reported an uptick in petty thefts in these waters, albeit amidst an overall trend of declining serious incidents over time.
In Indian waters specifically, recent data from ReCAAP indicates a slight rise in piracy incidents, with reports of two occurrences in Kakinada and one in Kandla this year. Notably, a single incident involving an Indian-flagged vessel was documented among 132 reported piracy events across Asia in the past year, representing a 23% increase from the preceding year.
Incident Reports and Enforcement Efforts
The SOMS region remains a focal point for concern, with 108 sea robbery incidents recorded in 2025. However, Chafekar remarked that the uptick in reported incidents does not equate to an escalated threat to maritime trade along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Most incidents have involved minor thefts.
The decline in incidents following the arrest of suspects by the Riau Islands Regional Police demonstrates the effectiveness of stringent law enforcement. “While the rise in sea robberies highlights ongoing maritime security challenges, swift and adequate enforcement can deter such activities,” Chafekar commented.
Chafekar reiterated ReCAAP ISC’s call for shipping companies to report all incidents of theft and unauthorized boarding to relevant coastal authorities promptly. Enhanced reporting is crucial for developing effective strategic responses to evolving threats.
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