Abstract:
While artificial islands have been proposed as strategic assets for enhancing maritime security, their feasibility, sustainability, and geopolitical consequences raise significant concerns. This research critically examines the potential downsides of constructing artificial islands for India's defense. It evaluates environmental risks, economic viability, legal complications, and strategic vulnerabilities, questioning whether such islands are a viable long-term solution for India's maritime security.
Key Words: Maritime Security Strategy, Logistics, National Security, Artificial Islands, India’s Defence
About Artificial Islands
Artificial islands are man-made structures built in water bodies for strategic, economic, or environmental purposes. They are constructed using land reclamation techniques, floating platforms, or submerged structures reinforced with concrete and steel (Hasler, 2021). In the context of maritime security, artificial islands serve as potential military outposts, offering strategic advantages such as enhanced naval surveillance, air defense systems, and logistical support for naval operations (Thakare et al., n.d.).
Countries like China have utilized artificial islands to strengthen their territorial claims in contested waters, demonstrating their role in modern geopolitical strategies (Hasler, 2021). However, while artificial islands provide strategic benefits, they present significant challenges, including environmental degradation, high construction and maintenance costs, and legal disputes under international maritime law (Anyadike, 2023). For India, which seeks to enhance its presence in the Indian Ocean Region, artificial islands could offer a forward defense position, but careful planning is necessary to mitigate the associated risks and geopolitical consequences (The International Legal Regime of Artificial Islands, 2025).
Concerns for making Artificial Islands
1. Environmental Concerns:
Building artificial islands poses severe environmental challenges, particularly in sensitive marine ecosystems. One primary concern is habitat destruction due to land reclamation and dredging, which disturb coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine life, leading to biodiversity loss (Anyadike, 2023). Additionally, large-scale construction alters ocean currents, affecting sediment flow and potentially causing coastal erosion in nearby regions (Hasler, 2021).
Water pollution is another significant issue, as dredged materials and construction waste increase turbidity, reducing sunlight penetration and harming aquatic ecosystems (Anyadike, 2023). The use of concrete and synthetic materials may introduce toxic chemicals into the water, further degrading marine environments (Geopolitical and Environmental Study, 2018).
Artificial islands also contribute to climate change-related risks. Their construction involves high carbon emissions due to extensive dredging, material transport, and energy-intensive building processes. Moreover, artificial islands are vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events, such as cyclones and tsunamis, leading to instability and increased maintenance costs (The International Legal Regime of Artificial Islands, 2025).
To mitigate these risks, eco-friendly construction techniques such as sustainable materials, artificial coral reefs, and green energy solutions should be explored (Hasler, 2021). Thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and international cooperation are necessary to balance development with ecological sustainability (Geopolitical and Environmental Study, 2018).
2. Strategic Vulnerabilities
While artificial islands offer strategic advantages, they also have significant vulnerabilities that could undermine their effectiveness as maritime security assets.
● Susceptibility to Military Attacks – Being fixed structures, artificial islands lack the mobility of warships or submarines, making them easy targets during conflicts. They can be attacked using missiles, naval bombardments, or cyber warfare, which could cripple their operational capabilities (Geopolitical and Environmental Study, 2018).
● High Maintenance and Operational Costs – Unlike natural land formations, artificial islands require constant reinforcement to withstand erosion, extreme weather conditions, and rising sea levels. Their upkeep can be financially and logistically demanding, diverting resources from other critical defense projects (Thakare et al., n.d.).
● Geopolitical and Legal Risks – Establishing artificial islands in contested waters may lead to diplomatic tensions and legal disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Neighboring countries may perceive them as military expansions, escalating regional conflicts (The International Legal Regime of Artificial Islands, 2025).
● Limited Strategic Flexibility – Unlike naval fleets or mobile defense systems, artificial islands cannot be relocated in response to shifting security threats, making them vulnerable to changes in military strategy (Hasler, 2021).
● Cybersecurity Risks – Artificial islands rely heavily on digital communication and surveillance systems, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A cybersecurity breach could compromise military intelligence, navigation, and operational control (Thakare et al., n.d.).
To counter these vulnerabilities, artificial islands must be equipped with advanced defense systems, resilient infrastructure, and robust cybersecurity measures (Geopolitical and Environmental Study, 2018). Additionally, India must assess their placement, legal standing, and strategic value to ensure they remain assets rather than liabilities in maritime security.
3. Economics and Logistics Concerns
High Construction Costs – Building artificial islands requires massive investments in dredging, land reclamation, reinforcement structures, and engineering solutions to withstand marine conditions. China's island-building projects in the South China Sea cost billions of dollars, and similar investments would be necessary for India (Anyadike, 2023).
Expensive Maintenance and Long-Term Sustainability – Artificial islands require continuous maintenance to prevent erosion, structural degradation, and storm damage. Regular dredging and infrastructure upgrades further add to the financial burden (Thakare et al., n.d.).
Logistical Challenges in Material Transportation – Transporting construction materials and personnel to offshore locations is costly and time-consuming, requiring ships, barges, and specialized equipment (Geopolitical and Environmental Study, 2018).
Energy and Resource Supply Issues – Artificial islands need a stable supply of electricity, freshwater, and food. Establishing power generation facilities and desalination plants can be expensive and difficult to maintain, especially in remote areas (Hasler, 2021).
Dependence on Foreign Technology – India may need to collaborate with international firms experienced in offshore construction, increasing dependency on foreign expertise (Thakare et al., n.d.).
4. Legal And Diplomatic Risks in Constructing Artificial Island
Building artificial islands in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea poses several legal and diplomatic challenges that could impact India’s maritime strategy and international relations.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) governs maritime zones, and artificial islands do not have the same legal status as natural islands. According to UNCLOS:
● Artificial islands cannot extend a country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond 200 nautical miles.
● They do not have sovereign territorial waters like natural landforms.
● Construction in international waters or disputed regions could lead to legal disputes.
Artificial islands can be perceived as a military expansion, triggering geopolitical tensions with neighboring nations like China, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
● China might view Indian artificial islands as a counter to its own island-building activities in the South China Sea, leading to increased rivalry in the Indian Ocean.
● Pakistan could object if such islands are near its maritime boundaries, escalating tensions in the Arabian Sea.
● Sri Lanka and Maldives, as small island nations, may raise concerns about environmental damage and military escalation in the region.
Countries that oppose militarization of maritime zones may criticize India for constructing artificial islands, especially if they are used for defense purposes.
● The United States, European Union, and ASEAN nations have previously opposed China’s artificial island projects, citing militarization concerns. If India follows a similar path, it may face diplomatic pushback.
● Environmental organizations and international bodies could oppose such projects if they lead to ecological damage, leading to sanctions or legal challenges at international forums.
If India builds artificial islands beyond its EEZ, they may not be recognized as sovereign territory. Under international law:
● They may not be allowed to host military installations without international approval.
● Other nations would have the right to pass freely near or over them, limiting their strategic value.
India has positioned itself as a responsible maritime power advocating for freedom of navigation and international cooperation in the Indian Ocean. If it constructs artificial islands aggressively, it may contradict its diplomatic stance and affect relations with key partners like the Quad alliance (USA, Japan, Australia), ASEAN nations, and African coastal states.
Conclusion:
While artificial islands could strengthen India’s maritime security, they come with significant legal and diplomatic risks. India must ensure compliance with UNCLOS, engage in diplomatic negotiations, and adopt a balanced approach to avoid regional tensions. Exploring alternative solutions, such as floating naval bases and strategic partnerships with friendly nations, may offer a more effective and legally viable strategy.
References
Anyadike, N. (2023, June 15). Artificial Islands: Economic Promise Versus Environmental Peril. The Earth & I. https://www.theearthandi.org/post/artificial-islands-economic-promise-versusenvironmental-peril
Geopolitical and environmental study of artificial islands in the Persian Gulf (from the perspective of international law). (2018). Cyberleninka.ru. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/geopolitical-andenvironmental-study-of-artificial-islands-in-the-persian-gulf-from-the-perspective-of-internationallaw/viewer
Hasler, N. (2021, July). Artificial islands: harmful or helpful? – The Oxford Student. The Oxford Student. https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2021/07/01/artificial-islands-harmful-or-helpful/
Thakare, R., Koriyan, A., Gupta, A., Parmar, O., & Shaikh, A. (n.d.). Analysis & Construction of Artificial Island. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://ijirt.org/publishedpaper/IJIRT159398_PAPER.pdf
The International Legal Regime of Artificial Islands. (2025). Google Books. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=j2jyejXTjSIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR13&dq=legal+and+dip lomatic+risks+in+constructing+artificial+islands&ots=VR6ShS4HdP&sig=nHvO0N7XiE6As_Vsb50x 415c54E&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
