Enhancing India’s Indo-Pacific Approach

The editorial, based on “Charting a route for IORA under India’s chairship,” highlights the critical challenges and opportunities facing the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as India prepares to assume its chairmanship in November 2025. The IORA, a significant regional entity linking Asia, Africa, and Australia, struggles with funding constraints and governance while aiming to bolster regional cooperation amid the strategic competition in the broader Indo-Pacific framework.

Significance of the Indo-Pacific for India

1. Maritime Security and Strategic Autonomy: The Indo-Pacific is vital for India’s maritime security, hosting essential Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) through which over 95% of India’s trade by volume transits. Securing these sea routes is imperative amid rising Chinese assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean region. India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine underscores this maritime focus.
2. Economic Growth and Trade Diversification: The Indo-Pacific is central to India’s economic growth through enhanced partnerships and integrated supply chains, especially against the backdrop of the China+1 strategy. Membership in initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), alongside FTAs with Australia and the UAE, reflects India’s push for diversified trade avenues.
3. Infrastructure and Technology Connectivity: India aims to promote connectivity through infrastructure projects aligned with its Digital Public Infrastructure model, supporting regional development.
4. Climate Resilience and Blue Economy Leadership: As the Indo-Pacific faces climate vulnerability, India is leading initiatives through IORA and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to promote sustainable development and maritime initiatives aligned with climate objectives.
5. Diplomatic Leadership: By chairing IORA, India can shape regional norms emphasizing inclusivity and development, boosting its influence in multilateral processes such as the UNSC reforms.

Challenges in India’s Engagement

Despite the strategic significance, several challenges hinder India’s deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific:

1. Resource Constraints: India’s naval capabilities are relatively limited compared to China and the US, affecting its ability to project power effectively across the region. Despite budget allocations, operational capacities remain underfunded.
2. Lack of a Unified Indo-Pacific Policy: India’s fragmented approach, lacking a coherent Indo-Pacific doctrine, leads to ambiguity and weakens its leadership perception in regional forums.
3. Geopolitical Balancing Dilemma: India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy complicates its alignment with coalitions like the Quad while simultaneously maintaining diplomatic ties with China, creating a weakened response against aggressive moves.
4. Trade Reticence: India’s cautious trade policies, such as withdrawing from the RCEP, have undermined its economic integration in the region, limiting its bargaining power in economic spheres.
5. Institutional Limitations: The operational delivery of regional initiatives is hindered by weak institutional frameworks within IORA and other regional bodies, reflecting a lack of adequate funding and bureaucratic efficacy.
6. Domestic and Regional Disruptions: India’s focus can be easily diverted by internal issues and regional conflicts, limiting its attention to Indo-Pacific engagements.

Measures for Enhanced Engagement

To reinforce its role in the Indo-Pacific, India could pursue several strategic initiatives:

1. Develop a Comprehensive Indo-Pacific Strategy: Formulating a cohesive strategy would clarify India’s interests and enhance its regional posture.
2. Expand Naval Capabilities: Increasing naval presence through strategic partnerships and modernization initiatives would establish India as a maritime leader.
3. Strengthen Institutional Leadership: Deepening engagements in regional forums and enhancing collaboration can amplify India’s influence.
4. Accelerate Infrastructure Projects: Timely execution of strategic connectivity projects would demonstrate India’s commitment to regional development.
5. Champion Climate Resilience: Leading a Blue Economy agenda focused on sustainability would align India’s diplomatic efforts with global climate goals.
6. Reinforce Trade Diplomacy: A proactive stance in economic partnerships could solidify India’s position as a viable alternative to China in regional trade.

Overall, India’s upcoming chairmanship of IORA is a pivotal opportunity to enhance regional integration, assert its maritime power, and establish itself as a key player in Indo-Pacific geopolitics amidst evolving global dynamics.

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