New Delhi, June 12, 2025: The 137th meeting of the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) was held in New Delhi today, led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The high-level meeting aimed to review the current security framework safeguarding India’s offshore energy infrastructure and to enhance inter-agency coordination for joint response mechanisms.
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Top Defence and Energy Agencies Come Together
Senior officials from key organisations including the Indian Navy (IN), Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Directorate General of Shipping, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and state police forces from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh were present at the meeting.
The OSCC serves as a vital inter-agency forum, bringing together diverse stakeholders to ensure the comprehensive protection of India’s offshore installations, which are critical to the nation’s energy independence and economic growth.
Enhanced Coordination Key to Securing Offshore Assets
DG Paramesh Sivamani, in his address, emphasized the strategic importance of offshore assets in maintaining the country’s energy security. He called for the adoption of proactive and collaborative measures to mitigate threats and to strengthen the overall offshore security apparatus.
“The security of our offshore infrastructure is not just about protecting physical assets, but also about securing the economic and energy lifelines of the nation,” he stated, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in their approach.
Strengthening Joint Response and Policy Frameworks
During the meeting, participants reviewed existing offshore security frameworks and discussed ways to improve response coordination among different agencies. There was a consensus on the need for continuous evaluation of potential threats and the development of integrated operational strategies to address them.
Since its formation in 1978, the OSCC has played a crucial role in formulating offshore security policies, resolving Offshore Defence Area (ODA) related challenges, and providing strategic direction to maritime security efforts in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
A Commitment to Energy Security
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all participating agencies to fortify India’s offshore installations against both conventional and emerging security threats. As India continues to expand its energy exploration and production activities, the role of OSCC in ensuring robust offshore defence mechanisms remains more critical than ever.
