The report titled ‘Evaluation of India’s Indian Ocean Strategy’ was presented in Lok Sabha.
Significance of IOR
- Geostrategic Importance
- India: With 11,098.81 Kms coastline having around 1,300 islands and 2.4 mn sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Global: 3rd largest ocean with 35 littoral states having one-third of world’s population.
- Economic Importance:
- India: 90% of India’s trade & most oil imports pass through IOR.
- Global: 50% global container traffic, 1/3 bulk cargo, 2/3 oil shipments pass through IOR.
- Ecological: Warmest of the world’s oceans, thus ecologically dynamic and biologically productive space.
Key Challenges to the region
- Geopolitical: Growing Chinese presence via port/infrastructure investments (e.g., BRI & “String of Pearls”, military base in Djibouti and its strengthening relations with Pakistan).
- Maritime Security: Piracy, terrorism, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, smuggling, drug trafficking.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Limited capacity in small island & coastal states.
Key Recommendations
- Upgrade SAGAR to MAHASAGAR with emphasis on sustainability, trade, and mutual security.
- Deepen Multilateral Engagement: Leverage Quad, IORA, BIMSTEC for security and economic integration.
- Enhance Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy.
- Promote Rules-Based Maritime Order: Support UNCLOS and ASEAN centrality in Indo-Pacific governance.
