SHANTI Framework: India’s Bay of Bengal Maritime Vision for UPSC

UPSC Mapping

Prelims	BIMSTEC, Bay of Bengal, Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
Mains	GS Paper II – International Relations

Region	Bay of Bengal
Approach	Norm-based maritime cooperation
Institution	BIMSTEC

What is SHANTI framework?

The SHANTI framework stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity. It is India’s normative maritime security approach that promotes cooperation, institutional capacity and shared responsibility among regional partners.

The framework seeks to strengthen resilience against illegal fishing, cyber threats, marine pollution and other transnational challenges while encouraging collaborative maritime governance instead of bloc politics.

Why is SHANTI framework in News?

The External Affairs Minister recently highlighted the SHANTI framework as India’s vision for establishing a rules-based maritime order centred on the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific.

The proposal emphasises strengthening BIMSTEC, enhancing regional trust and positioning India as a trusted security partner and first responder. Official developments may be tracked through the Ministry of External Affairs.

Key Features

• Shared responsibility: Encourages cooperative maritime governance instead of military alliances.
• Regional resilience: Focuses on tackling illegal fishing, cyber threats and marine pollution.
• BIMSTEC-centric approach: Strengthens regional institutions for long-term maritime cooperation.
• Blue Economy: Supports sustainable fisheries and offshore resource development.
• Rules-based order: Reinforces trust and transparency across the Indo-Pacific.

Challenges

• Regional instability: Political uncertainty in neighbouring countries affects coordination.
• Chinese influence: Expanding economic and port investments complicate regional alignment.
• Institutional limitations: BIMSTEC lacks strong enforcement mechanisms.
• Trust deficit: Smaller neighbours may perceive Indian leadership as dominant.
• Implementation gaps: Agreements require stronger technical and financial support.

Way Forward

India should accelerate BIMSTEC maritime reforms, strengthen domain awareness through IFC-IOR information sharing and institutionalise joint maritime exercises. Greater emphasis on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and climate resilience can improve confidence among littoral states.

External cooperation with partners such as France, Japan and Quad members can supplement funding, technology and capacity building while preserving regional ownership. Official maritime updates are available through the PIB.

Prelims Practice Corner

• Q1. SHANTI framework is primarily related to? (a) Space security (b) Maritime security (c) Food security (d) Energy security

  Answer: (b) Maritime security

• Q2. BIMSTEC connects countries around which water body? (a) Arabian Sea (b) Bay of Bengal (c) South China Sea (d) Mediterranean Sea

  Answer: (b) Bay of Bengal

• Q3. IFC-IOR is mainly associated with? (a) Space (b) Maritime domain awareness (c) Banking (d) Health

  Answer: (b) Maritime domain awareness

• Q4. The Malacca Strait is significant because it carries? (a) Global internet traffic (b) Major maritime trade (c) Air traffic (d) River transport

  Answer: (b) Major maritime trade

• Q5. SHANTI framework seeks to promote? (a) Military alliances (b) Norm-based cooperation (c) Trade sanctions (d) Territorial expansion

  Answer: (b) Norm-based cooperation

Mains Practice Questions

1. Q1. Discuss the significance of the SHANTI framework for India’s maritime diplomacy. (10 marks)

   Answer Structure:

   • Intro: Define SHANTI.
   • Body: Maritime security, BIMSTEC, Indo-Pacific, challenges.
   • Conclusion: Cooperative regional order.

2. Q2. Evaluate the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal in India’s foreign policy. (15 marks)

   Answer Structure:

   • Intro: Importance of Bay of Bengal.
   • Body: Trade, security, connectivity, Blue Economy, regional cooperation.
   • Conclusion: Strengthen inclusive maritime governance.

FAQs on SHANTI framework

What is the SHANTI framework?

It is India’s normative maritime security approach based on norms, trust and integrity to strengthen regional cooperation.

Why is the Bay of Bengal important?

It is central to regional trade, maritime connectivity, the Blue Economy and India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

How is BIMSTEC linked with SHANTI?

The framework seeks to strengthen BIMSTEC as the principal regional institution for maritime cooperation and resilience.