India's involvement with the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), also known as the Jeddah Amendment, has continued to evolve since it joined as an observer on August 26, 2020. The DCoC is a maritime cooperation agreement focused on the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships in regions including the Western Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. As of 2024, the collaboration and commitments under the DCoC have further developed to address various maritime security threats more effectively.
By 2024, the DCoC, initially established in January 2009 and joined by countries such as Comoros, Djibouti, and Egypt among others, has seen increased involvement from its signatories and observers including India, Japan, Norway, the UK, and the US. These nations contribute to a collective effort to enhance maritime security and address not only piracy but also other maritime threats like illegal fishing, and trafficking of arms, narcotics, and humans.
The cooperation under the DCoC involves various activities aligned with international law and UN resolutions such as:
- Investigating, arresting, and prosecuting individuals suspected of piracy and armed robbery against ships.
- Interdiction and seizure of suspect ships and property on board.
- Rescue operations for ships, crew, and passengers affected by piracy and armed robbery.
- Conducting joint operations and sharing information among the signatory states and with navies from non-member countries.
The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and the continued threats in this region make the DCoC a key platform for India to engage in regional maritime security. India's role as an observer allows it to support and coordinate with member states, helping to promote peace and stability in the region while safeguarding its own economic and security interests.
As of 2024, the DCoC continues to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable maritime security practices, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing complex security challenges at sea.
SRIRAM’s
