Indian Ocean Region

India hosted the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat. Around 30 foreign ministers from the region gathered at the event to discuss the future of this vibrant and strategically important area.

The Indian Ocean, a vital global trade route handling 70% of container traffic, has long been influenced by India’s maritime dominance. However, rising competition from major powers like the US, UK, France, and China has intensified the struggle for control. The ongoing Eighth Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, with foreign ministers from 30 countries, highlights the region’s growing geopolitical significance.

Geographical and Security Significance

• India, centrally located in the Indian Ocean, has a long coastline of nearly 7,500 km, enhancing its maritime influence.
• The Indian Ocean acts as a strategic bridge, linking India with its immediate and extended maritime neighbors.
• However, security threats persist, including:
  • Terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking.
  • Growing piracy and maritime terrorism, threatening regional stability.
• India has strengthened its naval capabilities through:
  • Fleet modernization and increased patrols.
  • Intelligence-sharing agreements and regional security collaborations.
  • Mission-Based Deployments (MBDs) at key choke points like the Strait of Malacca.

Net Security Provider and Regional Leadership

• India envisions the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, ensuring security through:
  • SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
  • Indian Maritime Security Strategy focusing on the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean littoral nations.
• Key security initiatives include:
  • Malabar Exercise and other bilateral naval drills with nations like Indonesia.
  • India's Tri-Service Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enhancing strategic military effectiveness.
  • Transfer of the Indian-made patrol vessel Barracuda to Mauritius.
  • Deployment of P-8I aircraft for surveillance in Seychelles' exclusive economic zone.
  • Infrastructure development in Agalega (Mauritius) to strengthen security cooperation.

Economic Lifeline and Trade Dominance

• The Indian Ocean is India’s primary trade and energy route, handling:
  • 80% of external trade.
  • 90% of energy imports.
• In FY22, Indian ports handled 720.29 million tonnes of cargo, with exports reaching $451 billion in FY23.
• The Sagarmala Project supports:
  • Port-led development, reducing logistics costs and boosting exports.
  • Integration of IT-enabled services for modernization.
• India's Blue Economy, contributing 4% to GDP, focuses on:
  • Offshore energy exploration and deep-sea mining.
  • Sustainable marine resources and renewable energy development.

Strategic Influence and Regional Partnerships

• India counters China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean through:
  • SAGAR and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
  • Strategic alliances such as Quad, IORA, BIMSTEC, Indian Ocean Rim Association and ASEAN.
• Key infrastructure projects extending India's reach:
  • Chabahar Port in Iran – Strengthening trade with Central Asia.
  • Infrastructure development in Mauritius and Seychelles.
• Strengthening ties with nations like Oman, Maldives, and Seychelles enhances regional security cooperation.

Energy Security and Resource Exploration

• India heavily relies on the Indian Ocean for oil imports and mineral exploration.
• Holds exclusive rights to explore the Central Indian Ocean for deep-sea mining.
• The Deep Ocean Mission (MATYSA 6000) focuses on seabed resource extraction.

Infrastructure Development and Connectivity

• India plans an $82 billion investment in port projects by 2035.
• Major infrastructure projects include:
  • Chabahar Port (Iran) – Facilitating trade with Central Asia.
  • Sittwe Port (Myanmar) – Strengthening maritime connectivity.
  • Agalega (Mauritius) – Strategic infrastructure to support security efforts.
• Collaboration with Japan and ASEAN on smart port development.

Climate and Environmental Leadership

• The Indian Ocean influences India's monsoon system, with impacts from El Niño and La Niña.
• Key environmental challenges include:
  • Rising sea levels threatening coastal cities and island nations.
  • Coral reef degradation affecting marine biodiversity.
• India leads regional climate resilience efforts through:
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• Blue Flag certification awarded to 12 Indian beaches for eco-friendly tourism.

Blue Economy and Sustainable Growth

• The Blue Economy focuses on sustainable marine resource utilization.
• India aims to become a $10 trillion economy by 2032, with ocean-based industries playing a key role.
• Sagarmala Project and renewable energy investments drive maritime economic growth.
• The Blue Chakra in India’s national flag symbolizes the potential of the Blue Economy.

Diaspora and Cultural Exchanges

• India’s historical trade and cultural ties with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa enhance its soft power.
• Indian diaspora engagement is strengthened through Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.
• Cultural diplomacy initiatives include:
  • Project Mausam – Reviving ancient maritime trade networks.
  • India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) – Strengthening partnerships with African nations.

Space Technology for Maritime Security

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation):
  • India’s indigenous global navigation satellite system, aiding maritime operations.
  • Crucial for disaster management, navigation, and security surveillance.
• South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9):
  • Enhances telecommunication, disaster response, and resource mapping in the region.
  • Provides better governance, education access, and emergency support.

Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations

• India plays a crucial role in regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief:
  • Aid to Indonesia and Sri Lanka (2004 tsunami), Myanmar (Cyclone Nargis), Bangladesh (Cyclone Sidr), and Sri Lanka (Cyclone Roanu).
  • Operation Neer (2014): Dispatched emergency water aid to the Maldives after a major water crisis.
  • Rapid response to natural disasters through NavIC satellite navigation system for better coordination.

China’s Expanding Naval Presence and Encirclement Strategy

• China’s String of Pearls strategy threatens India’s maritime security by expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean.
• Key strategic port investments include:
  • Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan), strengthening China’s foothold.
  • 17 strategic port investments in the Indian Ocean, including a naval base in Djibouti.
• The docking of China’s spy vessel Shi Yan 6 in the Maldives (2023) raised security concerns.
• China’s aggressive soft power diplomacy involves:
  • Providing large loans and military assistance.
  • Securing economic and political influence in Indian Ocean nations.
  • Becoming the largest lender to Sri Lanka, Kenya, and other coastal nations.
• China’s submarine and surface fleet expansion beyond the South China Sea:
  • Docking of a Chinese submarine at Hambantota Port signals Beijing’s maritime ambitions.
  • Development of a Blue Water Navy under the Maritime Silk Road initiative challenges regional security.

Maritime Security Threats: Piracy, Terrorism, and Illegal Activities

• India faces multiple security threats in the Indian Ocean, including:
  • Somali piracy, terror networks based in Pakistan, and arms trafficking.
  • Drug and human trafficking in the Arabian Sea, with increasing concerns over refugee movements from Bangladesh and Myanmar (Rohingya crisis).
  • Unregulated deep-sea fishing by Chinese trawlers, threatening India’s marine ecosystem.
• India’s security response includes:
  • Operation Sankalp, which led to 18 successful rescue operations in the Arabian Sea (Dec 2023 – Mar 2024).
  • Mission-Based Deployments (MBDs) at strategic locations like the Strait of Malacca.
  • Enhanced maritime surveillance through P-8I aircraft in Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Geopolitical Competition and Growing Foreign Military Presence

• Global military powers are expanding their presence in the Indian Ocean:
  • The US (Diego Garcia base), UK, France, Russia, and China have increased naval deployments.
  • Russia is establishing a naval base in Sudan, shifting regional power dynamics.
  • Leasing of ports to foreign powers limits India’s strategic influence in the region.
• The AUKUS Pact (2021) has further altered Indo-Pacific security, increasing Western engagement.

India’s Maritime Security Strategy

• The Indian Maritime Security Strategy (IMSS-2015) outlines:
  • India’s response to shifting geopolitical threats.
  • The need for technological advancement and operational readiness.
  • Greater naval presence across the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and East Africa littoral states.
• India’s net security provider role remains limited due to:
  • Lower naval spending compared to China and the West.
  • Dependence on foreign imports for submarines and aircraft carriers, impacting operational readiness.
  • Lagging shipbuilding industry, ranking 20th globally (0.06% share), while China holds 50%.

Challenge Posed by Pakistan

• Pakistan’s Naval Strategic Force Command (2012) raises concerns over potential deployment of nuclear weapons at sea.
• State-sponsored terrorist activities and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack highlight maritime vulnerabilities.
• Pakistan-China naval cooperation:
  • Acquisition of 8 diesel submarines with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) from China (2023-2028).
  • Gwadar Port’s operational control by China allows Beijing to challenge the Indian Navy directly.

Cybersecurity Threats and Undersea Cable Vulnerability

• 99% of global internet traffic relies on undersea cables, making them critical infrastructure.
• India’s India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX) cables improve connectivity but remain vulnerable.
• Cyberattacks linked to China (2021) targeted Indian maritime infrastructure, signaling hybrid warfare risks.

Climate Change and Environmental Risks in the Indian Ocean

• The Indian Ocean is one of the fastest-warming oceans, impacting monsoon patterns and regional economies.
• Key climate threats include:
  • Rising sea levels, increasing the risk of submergence for coastal cities and island nations.
  • Extreme weather events damaging naval infrastructure and port facilities.
  • Coral bleaching events in the Western Indian Ocean (2024) due to El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
  • Declining fish stocks, threatening livelihoods in India and neighboring countries.
• India’s leadership in environmental resilience:
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and International Solar Alliance (ISA).
  • Blue Flag certification for 12 Indian beaches promoting eco-tourism.
• Small island nations such as Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles—part of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)—face severe climate challenges.

India’s Strategic Response and Regional Engagement

• QUAD Membership:
  • India’s participation signals strategic alignment but excludes Australia from Malabar exercises to avoid antagonizing China.
  • Focuses on securing strategic autonomy while balancing great power competition.
• Maritime partnerships with ASEAN, IORA, BIMSTEC, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative strengthen India’s role.
• Infrastructure and security projects:
  • Chabahar Port (Iran) and Agalega (Mauritius) expanding India’s maritime influence.
  • Military cooperation with Oman, Maldives, and Seychelles enhancing regional security.
• For a Free and Open Indo-Pacific:
  • Advocates for a multipolar regional order with greater economic and security cooperation.
  • Australia, Japan, and the US support a rules-based framework, countering Chinese expansionism.

Strengthening Naval Capabilities

• Increasing indigenous production of warships and submarines to reduce dependency on foreign imports.
• Expanding the Indian Navy’s presence through more Mission-Based Deployments (MBDs) across critical maritime chokepoints.
• Enhancing India’s shipbuilding industry to compete with global powers, addressing its low global ranking (20th) in shipbuilding.
• Investing in Research and Development (R&D) for advanced naval technologies, including ocean energy, marine biology, and biotechnology.
• Boosting naval spending to counter China’s growing dominance in the region.

Enhancing Regional Partnerships

• Strengthening ties with IOR nations like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius through diplomatic and military cooperation.
• Deepening engagement with strategic alliances such as QUAD, IORA, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN to reinforce regional stability.
• Expanding India’s military footprint through naval bases and logistics hubs in key locations like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Elevating security cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia to protect core Indian security interests in the Indian Ocean.
• Balancing the “Act East” and “Look West” policies to consolidate India’s Indo-Pacific vision.

Investing in Maritime Infrastructure

• Developing smart ports and logistics hubs to enhance trade efficiency and connectivity.
• Strengthening major connectivity projects like the Sagarmala Project and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor.
• Promoting public-private partnerships (PPP) to accelerate port development and improve maritime logistics.
• Prioritizing the strategic development of islands in Andaman & Nicobar to enhance security and economic potential.

Bolstering Maritime Security and Intelligence

• Expanding the role of the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for real-time threat monitoring and intelligence sharing.
  Increasing joint naval exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives with partner nations to counter maritime threats.
• Strengthening Coast Guard capabilities to combat piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing operations.
• Enhancing institutional cooperation and transparency to build trust and confidence among IOR nations.

Advancing Blue Economy and Climate Resilience

• Promoting sustainable marine tourism, fisheries management, and marine biodiversity conservation.
• Accelerating offshore renewable energy projects, including wind and hydrogen-based energy solutions.
  Leading global efforts in marine conservation, disaster resilience, and climate adaptation strategies.
• Supporting the development of small island nations, which have been badly impacted by COVID-19, with financial aid, security, and humanitarian assistance.
• Providing critical support to IOR nations in times of crisis, ensuring goodwill and long-term strategic influence.

India’s Balancing Act in the Indo-Pacific

• Rather than directly competing with China, India should adopt a goodwill diplomacy approach to gain influence in the region.
• Consolidating India’s vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will be crucial for aligning its “Act East” and “Look West” policies. 
• Investing more in naval expansion and strategic partnerships to counter China’s maritime ambitions while securing India’s long-term dominance in the region.

India's diplomatic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is guided by the 5-S framework—Samman, Samvad, Sahyog, Samriddhi, and Shanti—emphasizing stability, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Through SAGAR and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, India promotes regional cooperation and a balanced global order. Recognizing the Indian Ocean as a hub of people, culture, and commerce, India advocates for mutual trust and collaboration among littoral states, ensuring long-term security and prosperity.

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