Indian Ocean Region: India’s Role as a Unifier
Prosperous Gateway of the Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is one of the world’s most important areas, linking the East and West through major sea routes. It has a rich history, culture, and valuable resources, but also faces challenges like economic inequality, environmental threats, and security risks. Maritime diplomacy plays a key role in addressing these issues, and India, with its long coastline and central location, must take the lead in promoting unity and cooperation.
As 2025 moves ahead, India’s maritime strategy is evolving to meet its growing ambitions and regional responsibilities. This essay examines the IOR’s historical significance, the role of regional organisations, current challenges, India’s contributions, and the importance of maritime diplomacy, while also suggesting ways for India to strengthen its role as a unifier in the region.
What is maritime?
Maritime refers to activities, laws, and industries related to the sea, including navigation, shipping, trade, and defense. It covers marine resources, ports, naval operations, and international laws governing territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
Where is Indian Ocean ?
The Indian Ocean is located between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Southern Ocean. It is the third-largest ocean, covering about 20% of Earth’s surface. Bordered by India to the north, it connects key global trade routes and influences monsoons, marine biodiversity, and geopolitical dynamics.
Historical Context and Strategic Significance
The Indian Ocean has always been central to India’s geopolitical identity. K.M. Panikkar, an eminent historian and diplomat, described it in 1945 as “the vital sea” for India. However, for most other countries, the Indian Ocean is just one of many strategic regions. Over centuries, India’s maritime interactions have shaped its economic and diplomatic engagements, from ancient trade routes to colonial-era exploitation.
Despite its strategic importance, the IOR has historically lacked a cohesive security framework. Unlike the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which have well-established alliances and institutions, the IOR has remained fragmented due to political differences and economic disparities among its nations. As a result, the region has struggled to establish a functional, cooperative security structure. India, as the largest and most economically powerful nation in the region, has both the responsibility and the opportunity to act as a stabilising force, promoting dialogue and cooperation among IOR nations.
Regional Organisations and Their Limitations
Several regional organisations have been formed over the years to facilitate cooperation in the IOR. These include:
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) – Focuses on economic and security cooperation.
- Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) – Aims to enhance economic integration among South and Southeast Asian countries.
- Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) – A forum for regional navies to collaborate on maritime security.
- Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) – A cooperative framework for addressing regional security challenges.
While these organisations have laid the groundwork for regional cooperation, they have not been entirely effective due to geopolitical rivalries, lack of funding, and minimal political commitment from member states. The emergence of the Indo-Pacific concept has further divided attention, with major powers such as the United States and China focusing more on the broader Asia-Pacific rather than strengthening the Indian Ocean identity. India must revitalise these organisations, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to regional stability and economic prosperity.
Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region
The IOR faces multiple security threats that require collective action:
Maritime Piracy and Terrorism: Although piracy incidents have declined in recent years, the threat persists, especially off the coast of Somalia. The resurgence of maritime terrorism, including hijackings and sabotage operations, highlights the vulnerability of key shipping lanes. India has played a crucial role in counter-piracy operations, including escort missions for commercial vessels and intelligence-sharing with international partners.
Illegal Fishing and Resource Exploitation: The depletion of marine resources due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the livelihoods of millions. The Indian Coast Guard has intercepted numerous illegal fishing operations, particularly from non-regional actors encroaching on Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Strengthening regional patrol efforts and implementing stricter regulatory frameworks will be key to mitigating this challenge.
Geopolitical Tensions and Foreign Naval Presence: China’s increasing military footprint in the IOR, including the establishment of a naval base in Djibouti and frequent deployments of warships and submarines, poses a strategic challenge. India has responded by enhancing its own naval presence and strengthening security ties with regional partners. However, it must ensure that its actions do not escalate tensions but rather reinforce a rules-based order.
India’s Maritime Strategy: SAGAR and Beyond
India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, introduced in 2015, forms the backbone of its maritime strategy. It focuses on strengthening ties with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations, modernising naval forces, and improving disaster response. As a first responder in crises, India provides humanitarian aid and promotes sustainable development, especially for vulnerable island nations. Maritime security remains a priority, with strategic partnerships enhancing stability. By expanding naval capabilities and fostering economic cooperation, India aims to create a safer and more prosperous region while countering emerging threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and geopolitical tensions.
Under SAGAR, India has launched key initiatives to reinforce its regional role. Mission SAGAR (2020) provided COVID-19 relief to island nations, showcasing India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) enhances real-time maritime intelligence sharing, strengthening security cooperation. Additionally, expanding naval bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands increases India’s strategic reach. While these efforts demonstrate India’s leadership in the IOR, further steps are needed to cement its position as the region’s primary security provider, ensuring long-term stability, economic growth, and environmental sustainability for all nations involved.
India’s Growing Naval Capabilities
To support its maritime ambitions, India has been modernising its navy and expanding its operational reach. Some key developments include:
- Commissioning of INS Vikrant (2022) – India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, enhancing power projection capabilities.
- Approval of six new diesel-electric submarines – Strengthening India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
- Mission-Based Deployments (MBDs) – Maintaining a continuous naval presence in critical maritime zones.
- Joint military exercises, such as Malabar (with the US, Japan, and Australia) and Milan (with IOR nations).
India’s enhanced naval posture signals its intent to be a credible force in the region, capable of responding to emerging threats and safeguarding its strategic interests.
Maritime Diplomacy: A Soft Power Tool
India’s maritime diplomacy is a vital tool for fostering goodwill and cooperation alongside military strength. A key aspect is Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), where India has consistently provided timely aid. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami marked a turning point, with the Indian Navy swiftly assisting Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia. More recently, India has responded to cyclones and other natural disasters, reinforcing its role as a reliable first responder. This commitment to humanitarian efforts strengthens India’s regional influence and deepens trust among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations, ensuring collective security and stability.
Beyond aid, India supports smaller IOR nations by enhancing their naval capabilities through training, joint surveillance, and supplying patrol vessels. Its Sagarmala Programme promotes port-led economic growth, while infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (Myanmar) and Chabahar Port (Iran) improve regional connectivity. These initiatives counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and foster economic interdependence. By leading in security, trade, and crisis response, India strengthens its position as a unifying force in the IOR, ensuring sustainable development and greater regional cooperation.
Recommendations for Strengthening India’s Role
To consolidate its position as a regional unifier, India must adopt a multi-faceted approach:
- Develop a Fully Funded Security and HADR Assistance Programme – This should include acquiring amphibious heavy-lift capabilities and a hospital ship to strengthen India’s crisis-response capabilities.
- Enhance Coordination Between the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs – A more integrated approach will ensure that India’s maritime strategy aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives.
- Deepen Engagement with IOR Nations – Strengthening bilateral and multilateral security partnerships will be essential. India should lead initiatives under IORA and IONS to ensure sustained regional collaboration.
- Strengthen Surveillance and Intelligence Capabilities – Investments in AI-driven maritime intelligence, satellite monitoring, and coastal radar networks will help pre-empt security threats.
- Promote Sustainable Blue Economy Initiatives – Encouraging marine conservation, responsible fishing, and offshore energy projects will ensure that economic growth in the region is environmentally sustainable.
Conclusion
India is uniquely positioned to act as a unifier in the Indian Ocean Region through a balanced approach that combines military strength, diplomatic engagement, and economic leadership. By enhancing its naval capabilities, fostering multilateral cooperation, and addressing shared security and environmental challenges, India can ensure a stable, prosperous, and secure Indian Ocean. The future of the IOR depends on collaborative efforts, and India’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the region’s destiny.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
