Indian Ocean and India

India – surrounded by Indian Ocean on three sides – geographical location of India makes Indian Ocean integral part of its foreign policy, security & trade decision.

At present, Indian Ocean carries about half of world’s container shipment.
Indian Ocean carries 90% of India’s trade by volume and 90% of oil imports
India is highly dependent upon ocean resources such as fishing and aquaculture.
India is also involved in deep sea mineral exploration in Central Indian Ocean with help from South Korea.
Indian Ocean gives India access to the South-Asia, South East Asia, Africa, West Asia and Oceania – important from the point of view of energy, economic trade and security

After the attack on Mumbai and increasing presence of China in Indian Ocean, Indian Ocean has become an integral part of India’s maritime policy
The Indian Navy played a pivotal role in containing piracy on the high seas and is positioning itself as the “net security provider” in the broader Indian Ocean region with capacity building & joint exercises.

Also read: Indian Asean Relations and India West Asia Relations

Challenges in IOR

Maritime crime + Piracy + Security of choke points like Strait of Malacca & Sunda strait
Drug hauls and human trafficking in South and Southeast Asia is rising exponentially
Illegal migration & rise in refugee movement from Bangladesh & Myanmar resulted in a humanitarian crisis.

Indian Ocean Rim Association

International association of 21 Indian Ocean littoral states with India as a core member.
Aims at strengthening Maritime Cooperation for economic association, regional integration promote sustainable development and balanced regional growth

Way Ahead

Littoral states should promote regional groupings like IORA which promote inclusive and sustainable regional development.
Initiatives such as SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – a good strategy to engage the regional countries and counter not only Chinese presence but also increase the economic integration and security.
Areas such as disaster management, technological advancement, blue economy, sustainable resource extraction, humanitarian assistance should also be explored.

✅ India and the Indian Ocean: 10 Key Points

Strategic Location: India occupies a central position in the Indian Ocean, giving it a natural advantage in maritime security and regional influence.
Maritime Trade Hub: Over 90% of India’s trade by volume and 80% of its oil imports pass through sea routes in the Indian Ocean, making its security vital to India’s economy.
Security Architecture: India promotes a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, engaging in initiatives like Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Naval Power Projection: The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in anti-piracy, disaster relief, and strategic deterrence, maintaining strong presence in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and beyond.
Island Diplomacy: India fosters close ties with island nations like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar to ensure security and influence in the Indian Ocean.
Choke Points and Strategic Routes: India monitors crucial maritime choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, and Bab-el-Mandeb, which are vital for global energy and trade flows.
Military Bases and Logistics Agreements: India has secured logistics agreements with countries like France, USA, Australia, and Singapore, enhancing its ability to operate in the region.
China’s Maritime Expansion: India closely watches China’s String of Pearls strategy, including port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), and Djibouti, viewing them as strategic encirclement.
Regional Partnerships: India leads multilateral platforms such as IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) and works with QUAD nations to promote regional stability and capacity-building.
Blue Economy Focus: India aims to harness the blue economy for sustainable growth, including fisheries, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, and ocean energy.

For more updates, explore the IR & Security Category. Feel free to share your thoughts and comments

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