Brief Context
In Context In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for External Affairs reaffirmed India’s robust and comprehensive engagement with countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). About Underlining the significance of Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), he reaffirmed that Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius occupy a central role in India’s maritime diplomacy.
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Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
In Context
- In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for External Affairs reaffirmed India’s robust and comprehensive engagement with countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About
- Underlining the significance of Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), he reaffirmed that Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius occupy a central role in India’s maritime diplomacy.
Significance of IOR
- Energy Security: 80% of India’s crude oil imports and 95% of trade by volume flows through the Indian Ocean.
- Trade and Economic Lifeline: Critical sea lanes (Strait of Hormuz, Malacca, Bab el-Mandeb) pass through the IOR, facilitating global and regional trade.
- Geopolitical Leverage: Central position in the IOR gives India leverage over major maritime chokepoints, enhancing its influence as a regional power.
- Disaster and Environmental Resilience: India’s 11,000km coastline faces threats from cyclones, sea-level rise, and other climate impacts; leadership in disaster relief (CDRI, humanitarian missions) and marine science is crucial.
Challenges
- Growing Chinese Presence: China’s port investments and naval presence (Gwadar, Hambantota, Djibouti) encircle India and heighten strategic rivalry.
- Maritime Security Threats: Piracy, terrorism, trafficking, and recent cyber-attacks on maritime infrastructure threaten commerce and stability.
- Environmental Degradation: Overfishing, marine pollution, and rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and marine biodiversity.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Gaps remain in Indian port/shipbuilding capabilities, surveillance technologies, and logistics networks.
- Regional Instability: Unstable political climate in IOR nations and external power contestations add complexity
India’s Steps Taken
- Defence and Naval Expansion: Commissioning of aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), indigenous submarines, and expanded naval fleets.
- Mission-Based Deployments: Permanent presence at key choke points—Strait of Malacca, Bab el-Mandeb, Aden, etc.
- Strengthened Regional Partnerships: Enhanced ties via IORA, BIMSTEC, QUAD, deepening engagement with Seychelles, Mauritius, and Maldives.
- Port and Infrastructure Expansion: Development of Chabahar (Iran), Sittwe (Myanmar), Sabang (Indonesia), and domestic port modernization (Sagarmala).
- Blue Economy and Science Missions: Deep Ocean Mission, marine biotech, sustainable fishing practices, climate adaptation on coasts, and digital twin technology in ports.
- Information Sharing: IFC-IOR and networked maritime awareness for better threat response and governance.
Way Forward
- Expand Naval and Surveillance Capacity: Invest in next-gen warships, undersea surveillance, and cyber-resilient systems.
- Deepen Regional Diplomacy: Forge stronger bilateral and multilateral ties, expand joint naval exercises (MALABAR, MILAN, etc.), and position India as a dependable regional partner.
- Sustainable Blue Economy: Lead on sustainable aquaculture, ocean energy, and climate-adaptive infrastructure.
- Infrastructure and Tech Leap: Accelerate port and logistics upgrades, invest in marine data/AI/space-based monitoring.
- Inclusive Maritime Policy: Engage coastal communities, promote regional prosperity, and support smaller IOR states.
- Balanced Geostrategic Approach: Balance hard power projection with soft power—cultural diplomacy, disaster aid, and developmental partnerships.
Source: AIR