India and Indian Ocean Region

Table of Contents

Context: Indian Defence Minister and the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for capacity building and collaboration in ship design and construction aiming for deeper cooperation in maritime security of Indian Ocean region.

Indian Ocean Region

Indian Ocean is the third largest water body in the world.
It is also known as ‘sea of stability’.
It acts as a lifeline to the international trade and transport as it carries one third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and two thirds of the world’s oil shipments (drive the economic vibrancy in Asia and Europe)
Indian Ocean contains a great degree of wealth in the form of abundance of oil, natural gas, minerals.
While the strategic and economic pivots are shifting to make the Indo-Pacific generally, India has maintained trade and civilizational links with countries in the region since time immemorial.

Significance of Indian Ocean

Economic:

Trade and Shipping: The Indian Ocean region serves as a crucial maritime trade route, facilitating the movement of goods and resources between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. A significant portion of the world’s maritime trade, approximately 75%, passes through this region, making it a hub for international commerce.
Energy Resources: The Indian Ocean contributes around 40% of the world’s offshore oil production, with major oil-producing countries located along its shores. Also, the region is a vital source of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and India, as the fourth-largest importer of LNG, depends significantly on these resources for its energy needs.
Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): The three major Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean are critical to global trade and energy security. These SLOCs connect major trading partners and energy suppliers, enabling the transportation of goods and resources.
Fishing Industry: The Indian Ocean supports a substantial fishing industry that accounts for nearly 15% of the world’s total fish catch. Fishing activities in the region contribute to global food supply, employment, and the economies of countries that rely on fishing as a significant sector.
Global Oil Transportation: Approximately 50% of the world’s daily oil consumption is transported through the Indian Ocean, making it a critical conduit for global energy flows. The sea routes in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Straits of Malacca, are pivotal for the transportation of oil from key producing regions to major consumer markets.

Strategic and Security:

India has a coastline of about 7500 km, and a large population is dependent on the fishing sector. Therefore, the security in the region is vital for coastal security as well as economic development.
The region is a witness to continually evolving strategic developments including the competing rises of China and India, the US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan, terrorism, piracy in and around the Horn of Africa.
The Straits of Hormuz, Malacca, and the Bab el Mandeb are some of the choke points. These choke points are strategically important for global trade and energy. Countries like USA, France and others maintain a naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
China’s special emphasis towards Indian Ocean (through its Silk Road project and growing cooperation with the littoral nations) as well as its formation of the blue water navy increases the importance of the region.
‘Pivot to Asia’ policy of USA and ‘OBOR & String of Pearls of China’ has increased the strategic significance of the region.
The docking of Chinese warships and submarine in Hambantota sends signals to protect the region.

Role of India in the IOR

India’s role in the Indian Ocean region is multifaceted and impactful, guided by its vision of ‘SAGAR’ – Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Security Provider and Maritime Strategy: India has consistently advocated for maintaining the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. Its maritime security strategy, outlined in the “Ensuring Secure Seas” document by the Indian Navy, covers vital areas such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean.
Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements: Through exercises like Malabar and bilateral engagements with nations like Indonesia, India showcases its readiness to play a critical role in the region. Initiatives like re-engaging with the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and South Pacific nations underscore India’s proactive engagement.
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: India has actively participated in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Notable examples include assistance to Indonesia and Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami, aid to Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis, and support to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka following cyclones. Such efforts highlight India’s commitment to regional well-being.
Blue Economy Development: India’s ‘Sagarmala Project’ aims for port-led development using technology-driven modernization. This approach fosters sustainable growth by harnessing local resources and renewable inputs. The potential of the ‘Blue Economy’ aligns with India’s aspiration to become a $10 trillion economy by 2032.
Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Exchange: India’s historical diaspora has enriched the region with cultural diversity. The engagement of the Indian diaspora, facilitated by events like Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, strengthens India’s ties with the region and contributes to its growth trajectory.
Space Technology Advancements: India’s indigenous global navigation satellite system, NavIC, enhances navigation capabilities for land, sea, and air. This technology’s implications are particularly significant during natural and man-made disasters. Initiatives like the South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) bolster communication, governance, education, healthcare, and disaster response across the region.

Significance of Indian Ocean

Economic:

Trade and Shipping: The Indian Ocean region serves as a crucial maritime trade route, facilitating the movement of goods and resources between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. A significant portion of the world’s maritime trade, approximately 75%, passes through this region, making it a hub for international commerce.
Energy Resources: The Indian Ocean contributes around 40% of the world’s offshore oil production, with major oil-producing countries located along its shores. Also, the region is a vital source of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and India, as the fourth-largest importer of LNG, depends significantly on these resources for its energy needs.
Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): The three major Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean are critical to global trade and energy security. These SLOCs connect major trading partners and energy suppliers, enabling the transportation of goods and resources.
Fishing Industry: The Indian Ocean supports a substantial fishing industry that accounts for nearly 15% of the world’s total fish catch. Fishing activities in the region contribute to global food supply, employment, and the economies of countries that rely on fishing as a significant sector.
Global Oil Transportation: Approximately 50% of the world’s daily oil consumption is transported through the Indian Ocean, making it a critical conduit for global energy flows. The sea routes in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Straits of Malacca, are pivotal for the transportation of oil from key producing regions to major consumer markets.

Strategic and Security:

India has a coastline of about 7500 km, and a large population is dependent on the fishing sector. Therefore, the security in the region is vital for coastal security as well as economic development.
The region is a witness to continually evolving strategic developments including the competing rises of China and India, the US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan, terrorism, piracy in and around the Horn of Africa.
The Straits of Hormuz, Malacca, and the Bab el Mandeb are some of the choke points. These choke points are strategically important for global trade and energy. Countries like USA, France and others maintain a naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
China’s special emphasis towards Indian Ocean (through its Silk Road project and growing cooperation with the littoral nations) as well as its formation of the blue water navy increases the importance of the region.
‘Pivot to Asia’ policy of USA and ‘OBOR & String of Pearls of China’ has increased the strategic significance of the region.
The docking of Chinese warships and submarine in Hambantota sends signals to protect the region.

Role of India in the IOR

India’s role in the Indian Ocean region is multifaceted and impactful, guided by its vision of ‘SAGAR’ – Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Security Provider and Maritime Strategy: India has consistently advocated for maintaining the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. Its maritime security strategy, outlined in the “Ensuring Secure Seas” document by the Indian Navy, covers vital areas such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean.
Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements: Through exercises like Malabar and bilateral engagements with nations like Indonesia, India showcases its readiness to play a critical role in the region. Initiatives like re-engaging with the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and South Pacific nations underscore India’s proactive engagement.
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: India has actively participated in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Notable examples include assistance to Indonesia and Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami, aid to Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis, and support to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka following cyclones. Such efforts highlight India’s commitment to regional well-being.
Blue Economy Development: India’s ‘Sagarmala Project’ aims for port-led development using technology-driven modernization. This approach fosters sustainable growth by harnessing local resources and renewable inputs. The potential of the ‘Blue Economy’ aligns with India’s aspiration to become a $10 trillion economy by 2032.
Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Exchange: India’s historical diaspora has enriched the region with cultural diversity. The engagement of the Indian diaspora, facilitated by events like Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, strengthens India’s ties with the region and contributes to its growth trajectory.
Space Technology Advancements: India’s indigenous global navigation satellite system, NavIC, enhances navigation capabilities for land, sea, and air. This technology’s implications are particularly significant during natural and man-made disasters. Initiatives like the South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) bolster communication, governance, education, healthcare, and disaster response across the region.

Regional Groupings in the IOR:

The region boasts of established regional organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, GCC in the Gulf, IORA, etc.
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional cooperation, also known as Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is specifically dedicated to the Indian Ocean.

Indian Ocean Rim Association:

It is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States bordering the Indian Ocean and 10 Dialogue Partners.
It was formed in 1997 and its secretariat is in Mauritius.
The IORA is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them.
It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.
The members include Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Maldives and Yemen.

Significance:
- Regional cooperation among IORA countries will become increasingly important in order to ensure the safety and security of vital trade routes, particularly the choke points.
- It will help India to ensure the freedom of navigation and over flight over the region.
- Issues related to Blue Economy and Piracy will be addressed to ensure maritime safety and security.
- The IORA provides an effective multilateral platform that facilitates realization of untapped opportunities for prosperity, peace and development of the region through greater interactions.

Challenges

Ensuring the sustainable exploitation of fishing and mineral resources:

The IORCs are faced with the common pressing challenges of increasing urbanisation, industrialization and migration, resulting in over-exploitation of natural marine resources.

Multi-dimensional challenges from climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events.

Managing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

As the population of the region is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades, its impact on food security and economy from marine resources would become more substantial.
The densely populated littoral is also vulnerable to natural or environmental disasters. ex., the 2004 tsunami that killed 228,000 people.

Securing the free passage of trade and energy:

There is a strong security dimension to India’s engagement with the Indian Ocean, beyond traditional naval considerations. ex., One of the worst terrorist attacks – the 2008 assault on Mumbai in which 164 people were killed—was perpetrated by terrorists arriving by sea.
Smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking are all also major concerns.

Adequacy of institutions for addressing the region’s challenges:

There is no single overarching organisation that covers all IORC in its membership.
Most of the Indian Ocean countries have formulated their own fisheries regulations which lack proper standards, guidelines, coherent regional arrangement and enforcement mechanisms in the Indian Ocean owing to limited data and capacity constraints.