India’s ‘Invisible War’ in the Indian Ocean: How the Navy Protects 1,000 Ships Daily and Expands Maritime Diplomacy

New Delhi: The Indian Navy is silently waging an “invisible war” in the Indian Ocean, protecting at least 1,000 commercial ships daily from GPS disruptions and cyber threats that could endanger maritime trade. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) monitors these critical sea lanes, ensuring the safety of vessels navigating through a region responsible for nearly 80–90% of global trade and significant energy shipments. Notably, about one-fifth of internationally traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz alone.

Targeting Ships Through GPS Interference
Recent reports indicate that ships in the Indian Ocean are increasingly affected by GPS jamming, causing their Automatic Identification System (AIS) positions to shift up to 295 nautical miles inland. This misrepresentation can make vessels appear near Iranian ports, Oman’s deserts, or populated areas near Dubai, regardless of whether they are tankers, bulk carriers, or passenger ferries. Such manipulation not only threatens navigation but also risks collisions and grounding in heavily trafficked corridors.

IFC-IOR: The Navy’s Strategic Shield
Established in 2018 and based in Gurugram, Haryana, the IFC-IOR has emerged as a primary node for maritime security in the region. The centre tracks irregularities, verifies AIS data, and issues safety advisories to commercial shipping and national authorities. It also facilitates real-time information sharing with regional partners, maritime fusion hubs, law enforcement agencies, and commercial stakeholders, enhancing transparency and operational readiness.

The centre’s half-yearly overview (January–June 2025) highlighted the scale of threats:

• 140 incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea
• 568 cases of smuggling
• 359 violations of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
• 109 incidents of irregular migration

Expanding Maritime Diplomacy
Beyond threat monitoring, IFC-IOR actively strengthens India’s maritime diplomacy. By issuing weekly and monthly security updates, alerting vessels to GPS anomalies, and collaborating with partner nations, the Indian Navy has positioned itself as the first responder for safeguarding shipping in the Indian Ocean. This quiet yet robust approach demonstrates India’s ability to project power and maintain stability in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically significant maritime regions, blending operational vigilance with subtle diplomacy.

Conclusion
In an era where GPS interference and cyber threats can disrupt global supply chains, the Indian Navy’s efforts underline the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean. Through the IFC-IOR, India ensures that maritime commerce continues smoothly, asserting its role as a guardian of crucial sea lanes and a key player in regional maritime security.