India’s Strategic Interests in the Indian Ocean

GS 3 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION

Context: India, in collaboration with Singapore and Oman, is hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat to deliberate on regional security and economic integration.

Historical Importance of the Indian Ocean

• Naming & Cultural Impact: The Indian Ocean derives its name from India, highlighting the nation’s historical and cultural influence. For centuries, it has been referred to as “Hind Mahasagar.”
• Ancient Trade Routes: Indian traders, such as the Manigramam Chettis and Nanadesis, were actively involved in expansive trade with Arab nations and Southeast Asia.
• Maritime References in Texts: Kautilya’s Arthashastra stressed the significance of maritime commerce, and Chinese traveler Fa-Hien noted India’s naval prowess as early as 415 CE.
• Colonial Setback: European colonial powers—including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British—eventually overtook India’s maritime dominance.

India’s Historical Overlook of Maritime Strength

• Colonial Impact: Despite British naval supremacy, India was not equipped with a blue-water navy during colonial rule.
• Post-Independence Focus: Indian leadership concentrated more on land-based threats after independence, sidelining maritime strategy.
• Shipbuilding Deficiency: India currently holds the 20th spot globally in shipbuilding, accounting for only 0.06% of the market share.
• Strategic Warnings Ignored: In 1945, K. M. Panikkar highlighted the critical role of naval power in safeguarding India’s security and trade, but land-centric policies prevailed.

Contemporary Strategic Relevance of the Indian Ocean

• Global Trade Artery: The Indian Ocean handles 70% of global container movement, 80% of India’s foreign trade, and 90% of its energy imports.
• Lifeline for Landlocked Neighbors: It serves as an essential trade route for countries like Nepal and Bhutan.
• Cultural and Economic Hub: Unlike the conflict-prone Indo-Pacific, the Indian Ocean remains a vital space for fostering trade and cultural exchange.

Current Challenges in the Indian Ocean

• Great Power Competition: Major powers like the US, UK, France, and China have a strong naval presence, complicating regional security dynamics.
• Security Threats: The region faces piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, arms smuggling, and climate-induced challenges.
• Undersea Cable Control: European companies and China’s Huawei control crucial undersea communication cables, posing strategic vulnerabilities.

India’s Maritime Policies and Initiatives

• SAGAR Vision (2015): The “Security And Growth for All in the Region” initiative focuses on regional stability and economic development.
• Blue-Water Navy Ambitions: India aims to solidify its position as a dominant maritime force and advocate for the Global South.
• Strategic Alliances: Strengthening naval cooperation with countries like Oman and Singapore is pivotal for regional security.
• Indian Ocean Conference (IOC): A key platform fostering collaboration on maritime security among regional stakeholders.

The Road Ahead

• Upgrading Naval Infrastructure: Focus on expanding shipbuilding capacity, modernizing the navy, and improving maritime surveillance systems.
• Deepening Regional Alliances: Enhance partnerships with organizations like IORA, QUAD, and BIMSTEC to promote regional security and governance.
• Advancing the Blue Economy: Prioritize sustainable fisheries, ocean-based industries, and renewable marine energy.
• Safeguarding Strategic Interests: Protect undersea communication networks and secure maritime trade routes from external influences.
• Building Climate Resilience: Invest in early warning systems and disaster response mechanisms to combat climate-related threats.