Summary of India’s Indian Ocean Strategy
The Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs has presented a significant report evaluating India’s strategy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), emphasizing the strategic importance of this ocean. As the third-largest ocean in the world, the Indian Ocean is vital for global trade and security. Approximately one-third of the world’s population resides in this region, and over two-thirds of global oil shipments transit through it. Notably, 90% of India’s trade by volume, including its entire oil imports, passes through the IOR. India holds a substantial 2.4 million square kilometers of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the area.
Strategic Framework and Partnerships
India’s approach to the IOR is influenced by its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, which aims to foster cooperative security and development. The recent MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) doctrine builds on SAGAR and indicates India’s intent to deepen its regional engagement.
As a net security provider, India actively participates in counter-piracy, maritime security, and anti-terrorism operations. Collaborative efforts, including joint surveillance exercises and information sharing mechanisms like the Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR), highlight India’s commitment to regional security.
Engagement with Littoral States
India has established robust partnerships with IOR nations such as Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles. These partnerships focus on developmental assistance, disaster response (HADR), and maritime security collaboration, underlining India’s role in regional stability.
Regional Leadership and Infrastructure Initiatives
India’s leadership is visible in multilateral platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). The government has also invested in port infrastructure, such as the Chabahar Port, to enhance connectivity and solidify its strategic presence. Initiatives like Sagarmala aim to upgrade port connectivity and promote industrial growth, boosting India’s competitiveness in maritime trade.
Humanitarian Efforts
India is recognized as a reliable first responder in disaster situations, as demonstrated by its Operation ‘Sadbhav’ in response to Typhoon Yagi, which involved providing aid to several Southeast Asian countries.
Challenges
Despite the strategic initiatives, significant challenges persist. The geopolitical landscape is complicated by the growing presence of extra-regional players like China, which impacts India’s security interests, particularly in states like Sri Lanka and Maldives. Other maritime issues include piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing, compounded by infrastructural and financial limitations faced by IOR nations.
Path Forward
India is advised to develop a comprehensive strategic engagement plan that emphasizes maritime security, infrastructure development, and defense cooperation. Institutionalizing execution through an Inter-Ministerial Task Force could streamline decision-making processes. Furthermore, integrating Indian Ocean policies with Indo-Pacific strategies and fostering environmental sustainability within the region are essential steps forward.
Strengthening maritime capabilities through advanced technologies, enhancing the Indian Navy’s preparedness, and promoting India’s cultural presence through missions and heritage initiatives are also recommended. Overall, India aims to ensure a secure, cooperative, and prosperous Indian Ocean, adhering to principles grounded in international law.
