Published on 23 Feb 2025
India's strategic location and growing economic and military prowess make it a key player in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). With over 90% of its trade by volume passing through the Indian Ocean, India's economic prosperity is inextricably linked to the region's stability.
Significance of IOR for India
Ensuring Security:
Maritime Power: India boasts a powerful navy that patrols the vast Indian Ocean, deterring piracy, safeguarding vital shipping lanes, and contributing to regional security.
Example: India's participation in international anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden
Cooperation and Diplomacy: India actively engages with regional countries through joint military exercises, information sharing, and capacity building initiatives to promote collective maritime security.
Example: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) hosted by India brings together regional navies for cooperation
Strategic Partnerships: India forms strategic partnerships with major powers like the US, France, and Japan to counterbalance regional competition and ensure a stable security environment.
Example: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) focuses on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region
Economic Role:
Trade Hub: India's strategic location makes it a vital trade hub, connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It promotes regional economic integration through trade agreements and infrastructure development.
Example: India's participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) fosters trade ties with neighbouring countries
Resource Development: The Indian Ocean holds vast resources like oil, gas, and minerals. India collaborates with regional countries for sustainable resource exploration and development.
Example: India's cooperation with Sri Lanka for oil exploration in the Mannar Basin
Connectivity: India invests in infrastructure projects like ports, undersea cables, and transportation networks to enhance regional connectivity and boost trade flows.
Example: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to connect India, Iran, Russia, and Europe through a multimodal transport network
Challenges faced by India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Non-State Actors: Threats from terror groups like those behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks and instability in the IOR periphery demand constant vigilance
Example: Somali piracy, Makran coast drug trafficking, Yemen conflict
Migration and Human Trafficking: The surge in migration creates humanitarian challenges and potential security risks.
Example: The Rohingya migration from Bangladesh
Climate Change: Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure (ports, refineries), livelihoods, and could trigger migration and conflict. Increased storms and unpredictable weather patterns harm agriculture and fisheries.
China's Presence: China's growing economic and military influence (loans, investments, military assistance) in the IOR, including docking a submarine in Sri Lanka, poses a strategic challenge.
Pakistan's Nuclear Threat: The establishment of Pakistan's Naval Strategic Force Command raises concerns about the potential use of nuclear weapons at sea.
Pakistani Terrorism: State-sponsored terrorism and terror groups based in Pakistan threaten regional security, as seen in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Pakistani Submarine Acquisition: Pakistan acquiring advanced submarines from China adds uncertainty to the regional balance of power.
China's Gwadar Port Control: Operational control of Gwadar port in Pakistan by China could give them a strategic advantage against India.
Way Forward
Deepen Security Cooperation: India should strengthen partnerships with regional countries as Sri Lanka, Maldives and major powers as US, Japan, Australia to address shared security threats.
Enhance Maritime Role: India needs to fully realize its "net security provider" role by assisting smaller island nations with their maritime security needs.
Boost Ocean Innovation: Increased investment in R&D for ocean energy, marine biology, and biotechnology can secure India a leading role in these sectors.
Develop Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Focusing on infrastructure and development in these strategically located islands aligns with India's Act East Policy and strengthens its regional presence.
Geography
Role of India in the Indian ocean
Significance of IOR for India
Challenges faced by India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
General Studies Paper 1
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