Syllabus
GS Paper 3 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security;Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
Maritime security
Indian ocean region
Indo-Pacific
Blue Economy
Context
With axis of global power shifting to the Indo-Pacific, India is remedying old mistakes and assuming a prominent role in addressing maritime concerns in Indian Ocean region.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 10th February 2024
India, making waves in the Indian Ocean
India’s historical relationship with the Indian Ocean has played a significant role in shaping its economic fortunes and geopolitical standing. From its ancient maritime trade routes to its modern-day strategic interests, India’s engagement with the Indian Ocean has been multifaceted and impactful.
Maritime Dominance since ancient times
- Angus Maddison’s research suggests India’s economic supremacy in the first millennium, driven by its control over maritime trade routes.
- Manigramam Chettis and Nanadesis to the latter-day South Indian kings like the Andhras, Pallavas and Cholas, invested in powerful navies and established trade links across the Indian Ocean, contributing to India’s economic prosperity.
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra, an authoritative work on statecraft written in the fourth century BCE, talks about the functions of officers like port commissioners and harbour masters, highlighting the importance attached to maritime activity in ancient India.
- The Board of Shipping was one of the six important departments of the Mauryan Empire.
Impact of European Colonialism
- The arrival of European colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British, disrupted India’s maritime trade networks.
- Colonial dominance led to a decline in India’s naval power and economic influence in the Indian Ocean region.
- Despite being renowned seafarers, the British did not prioritize the development of a robust blue-water presence during their two-century rule over India.
- The Royal Indian Navy, established in the early 19th century, remained small and inconsequential considering the vastness of India. Instead, the British focused their efforts on mobilizing armies from local princes for their war endeavours during World Wars I and II.
Post-Independence Neglect and Challenges
- Post-independence Indian governments neglected maritime security and trade, focusing more on land-based warfare.
- Lack of attention to naval development left India vulnerable to external pressures and hindered its ability to assert itself in the Indian Ocean region.
Threats in Indian Ocean region
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) faces a diverse range of threats, impacting its security, stability, and prosperity.
Traditional Security Threats
- Maritime Piracy: Though significantly reduced from its peak, piracy in the Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden still poses risks to merchant shipping.
- Maritime Terrorism: Threats of attacks on commercial vessels, ports, and critical infrastructure persist.
- Proliferation of Weapons: Uncontrolled flow of weapons can fuel regional conflicts and instability.
- Organized Crime: Trafficking in drugs, humans, and weapons undermines regional security.
- China’s Dominance: Through various interventions like string of pearls, belt and road initiative, etc.
Non-Traditional Security Threats
- Climate Change: Sea level rise, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification threaten coastal communities and economies.
- Natural Disasters: Cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes pose significant risks to lives and infrastructure.
- Energy Security: Competition for resources and securing energy supply chains are growing concerns.
- Environmental Degradation: Pollution, plastic waste, and habitat destruction harm marine ecosystems and livelihoods.
Rise of the Indo-Pacific and Strategic Significance
- The shift of global power dynamics towards the Indo-Pacific region has elevated the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.
- Indo-Pacific is a geo-political construct, whereas the Indian Ocean is a natural region. It is home to more than three dozen nations. From the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca, this vast expanse of water is the world’s third-largest ocean covering over 74 million square kilometres.
- India’s economic interests, including trade and energy routes, are closely tied to the Indian Ocean’s stability and security.
- Eighty per cent of its external trade and 90 per cent of the energy trade happens through these ocean lines.
- The Indian Ocean maritime trade routes are the crucial supply chains managing almost 70 per cent of the world’s container traffic.
India’s Proactive Engagement and Initiatives
India, as a major power bordering the Indian Ocean, has taken various initiatives to strengthen its presence and influence in the region
Security and Stability:
- Maritime Security:
- Indian Navy: Maintaining a strong naval presence through regular patrols, exercises, and collaborations with regional partners.
- Information Sharing: Establishing the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) to share maritime data and facilitate coordinated responses to threats.
- Disaster Relief: Providing assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
- Counter-Terrorism: Collaborating with regional countries to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
Economic Development:
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): An initiative promoting regional cooperation in maritime security, blue economy, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
- IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association): Playing an active role in this inter-governmental organization for trade and investment facilitation, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
- Bilateral Trade Agreements: Signing trade agreements with regional countries to boost economic ties and market access.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in port development, connectivity projects, and special economic zones.
Diplomatic Outreach:
- High-Level Visits: Regular engagement with regional leaders through bilateral and multilateral summits and forums.
- Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural understanding and people-to-people ties through educational exchanges and art & culture initiatives.
- Indian initiatives, such as hosting the 7th Indian Ocean Conference, highlight efforts to address non-traditional challenges and promote cooperation among Indian Ocean nations.
India recognizes the importance of maritime diplomacy and regional cooperation in safeguarding its interests in the Indian Ocean.
Conclusion
India’s historical maritime legacy and its evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region underscore the significance of maritime security and cooperation. As India navigates contemporary challenges and opportunities, its engagement with the Indian Ocean remains pivotal to its economic prosperity and strategic interests.
RELATED TOPICS
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organization that was established in 1997 to promote regional cooperation and economic development among its member states. It is the only regional grouping that focuses solely on the Indian Ocean.
The IORA is headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius. The organization is governed by a Council of Ministers, which meets annually
The IORA currently has 23 member states, including Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
The organization’s main areas of focus include:
- Trade and investment facilitation
- Maritime security
- Disaster risk reduction
- Blue economy
- Tourism and cultural cooperation
References
Practice Question
How has India’s engagement with the Indian Ocean evolved over time, and what measures should be taken to address its strategic interests in the region? [150 words]