There is also the security angle to be considered. Once the SCP becomes operational, policing it would require a major increase in the Indian Coast Guard, Customs and Marine Police assets in Rameshwaram and Tuticorin. Keeping in mind the proximity of Tuticorin to the Palk Bay due to the SCP, the Indian navy too may have to consider permanently basing some assets in Tuticorin for more intensive surveillance, and protection to future oil exploration rigs, and ensure a quick response to threats from the LTTE. It would require close co-ordination and timely intelligence sharing between all these agencies.
The writer is a retired vice-admiral
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