India and the national jurisdiction in the sea

With the emergence of "universal" and "multi-cultural" character of the contemporary international community the traditional international law that emanated from the "European" or "Western" or "Christian" source has long been found inadequate to deal with the present needs of the world community, particularly with the needs of its developing members. The current movement to establish a new inter national marine order seeks to provide adequate protection to the Third World's legitimate interests in the Ocean. The forum used for the purpose was the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) which after a decade of negotiations and through a lot of horse trading produced a mammoth treaty in December 1982- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

India with a vast coastline and a reason able industrial base to develop marine resources both living and non-living-was immensely interested in developing the new legal order for the Ocean. It contributed tremendously in the development of the law regarding national marine jurisdiction. While doing so, it balanced its interests as an active member of the Third World and as an aspiring member of the exclusive club of maritime nations. Its keen interest in maritime affairs of the world is evinced in its active participation in the Preparatory Commission which will give shape to a new international organization-the international Sea-Bed Authority.

The book deals with legal & political aspects of the Law of Sea, specially with national marine the jurisdiction. India's contribution in this regard has specially been determined.