The Union Government has taken a number of measures to strengthen coastal, offshore and maritime security. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt informed that these measures include capacity augmentation of maritime security agencies for surveillance and patrol of the nation's maritime zones, the establishment of mechanisms for inter-agency coordination and increased regulation of activities in the maritime zones.<br />''<br />''Mr Bhatt informed that Indian Naval Ships and aircraft are regularly deployed on Mission-Based Deployments in Indian Ocean Region to enhance maritime security. It also undertakes surveillance to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and address contingencies that may arise.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Minister said that these are in the consonance with Government of India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region- SAGAR and the maritime Security Strategy to build its role as the Preferred Security Partner in country's extended Maritime neighbourhood. He said, besides, India proactively engages with regional navies to enhance cooperation and promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.</span><br />