Indian Ocean: Strategic Significance & India’s Role

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

In Context

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a “coordinated flotilla” to promote stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
  • His remarks highlight the growing geopolitical competition and security challenges in the region, necessitating multilateral maritime collaboration.

About the Indian Ocean

Geographic Overview:

• Third Largest Ocean: Spans 9,600 km from the Bay of Bengal to Antarctica and 7,800 km from South Africa to Western Australia.
• Coastline: 70,000 km, including major economies like India, Australia, and African nations.
• Population & Coastal Influence: Home to 35% of the world’s population and 40% of the global coastline.

Historical & Civilizational Significance:

• Named after India, reflecting its historical and cultural influence on maritime trade.
• Served as a key trade route since the first millennium, connecting India with Arab lands, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
• The Silk Route & Spice Trade flourished via the Indian Ocean, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Strategic Importance:

• Control of Maritime Chokepoints: India’s central position in IOR provides strategic leverage over:
  • Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman) – Vital for oil shipments.
  • Bab el-Mandeb (Yemen-Djibouti) – Entry to the Red Sea & Suez Canal.
  • Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia) – Key trade passage for East Asia.

Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

• Maritime Security Threats: Frequent pirate attacks & trafficking, particularly near Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
• Economic & Environmental Issues: Overfishing and deep-sea mining threaten marine ecosystems.
• Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels: Small island nations face coastal erosion and submersion risks.
• Humanitarian Crises & Disasters: Natural disasters like cyclones, tsunamis, and oil spills require coordinated disaster response.
• Geopolitical Rivalries: Growing influence of the U.S., China, UK, and France fuels power struggles in the region.

India’s Policy Shift in the Indian Ocean

Strengthening Regional Ties:

• India is actively engaging with IOR nations through:
  • Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) – A key diplomatic platform initiated by India.
  • Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) – Multilateral cooperation on economic and maritime security.
  • Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) – Enhancing naval interoperability and intelligence sharing.
  • Colombo Security Conclave – Focuses on maritime security & counterterrorism with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius.

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region):

• Launched in 2015 under PM Modi, this initiative aims to:
  • Strengthen India’s leadership in IOR.
  • Ensure free and open sea lanes for secure global trade.
  • Promote sustainable maritime development.

Enhancing Blue-Water Capabilities:

• Naval Expansion: India is modernizing its navy by inducting indigenous aircraft carriers and advanced submarines.
• Maritime Surveillance: Deployment of P-8I Poseidon aircraft, and satellite-based tracking systems.
• Quad Cooperation: India, U.S., Japan, and Australia collaborate on maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence sharing.

Source: TH