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This initiative exemplifies deepening relations between India and Littoral and island nations of the Indian ocean region (IOR).
- The Indian Ocean countries comprise of 36 littoral and 11 hinterland states.
Importance of IOR’s littoral and Island nations for India
- Strategic Location: Their proximity to sea lines of communications like Malacca strait is crucial for global trade, preventing privacy & ensuring maritime security.
- 80% of India’s external trade and 90% of energy trade happens through IOR.
- Vision of regional Leadership: IOR is emerging as new theatre for geo-political competition between global powers e.g. USA, France etc.
- Hence, it is crucial for pursuing India’s vision of a net security provider, while also containing the rising footprint of China.
- Blue Economy: Marine fisheries in IOR supplies about 15% of world fish catch (FAO, 2020). IOR is also important for sustainable deep sea mining.
- Climate Security: Indian Ocean has warmed faster than any other ocean since 1950s (IPCC report 2021).
- Rapid population growth & rising climate disasters requires collective action for preventing human vulnerability and regional insecurity.
India’s Initiatives:
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