India envisages the Indian Ocean as a shared and inclusive maritime space, not a theatre of competition, underpinned by the vision of “From the Indian Ocean, for the World.”

Growing Challenges in the Indian Ocean

• Climate Change Impacts: The seas are being heated and acidified, and sea levels are rising.
• Ecological Degradation: The ocean is stressed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
• Socio-economic Instability: Erosion of livelihoods and undermining of social stability with intensifying storm surges and coral reef degradation due to climate disruptions.

What should be India’s Blue Ocean Strategy?

• Cooperative Management: India should prioritize biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries, ecosystem restoration, common security as a shared space, rather than one subjected to competitive exploitation. 
  • E.g. Leveraging MAHASAGAR Doctrine.
• Climate Resilience: Focusing on preparedness and adaptation, India can lead by establishing a Regional Resilience and Ocean Innovation hub to enhance early warning systems, strengthen ocean observation networks, etc. for all in the region.
• Inclusive Growth: In sectors like Green shipping, offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture & marine biotechnology for all in the region.
• Leveraging Financial Momentum: through initiatives like Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) 2025; One Ocean Partnership (Launched at COP30, to mobilize $20 billion for ocean action by 2030), etc.
  • Indian Ocean Blue Fund can be created to channel this global financing into regional priorities.