India’s Strategic Focus in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

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