India will host the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, emphasizing maritime security, connectivity, and climate resilience. Focused on enhancing regional cooperation, countering geopolitical rivalry, and reviving historical ties, India aims to safeguard trade routes, promote robust economic development, and project leadership in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.
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India to host the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman.
The Indian Ocean is a critical geopolitical and economic hub, touching 26 countries and serving as a lifeline for landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan.
It facilitates 70% of global container traffic and carries 80% of India’s external trade and 90% of its energy imports, however, the region faces challenges such as piracy, climate change, illegal fishing, and geopolitical competition from major powers like China, the US, and France.
India must adopt a proactive, multi-pronged strategy to safeguard its interests and lead regional cooperation.
Strengthen Maritime Security Partnerships
India should continue acting as a first responder in crises, such as oil spills (e.g., Mauritius and Sri Lanka), natural disasters (e.g., Mozambique), and conflicts (e.g., Yemen). This builds goodwill and reinforces its role as a regional security provider.
Expand training and equipment partnerships with navies of Indian Ocean nations, from Vietnam and Mauritius to Mozambique and Sri Lanka. Initiatives like the Quad’s maritime security framework and the International Fusion Centre near Delhi must be prioritized to enhance interoperability.
Boost Infrastructure and Connectivity
Advance projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to improve trade links. Unlike opaque Chinese Belt and Road projects, India must champion consultative, sustainable infrastructure.
Invest in port modernization, undersea cables (e.g., with Huawei’s competitors), and sustainable fishing to leverage the region’s economic potential.
Leverage Diplomatic and Institutional Leadership
Use platforms like the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to drive dialogue on shared challenges. The 8th IOC in Oman, themed “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” emphasized collaboration on security, climate resilience, and trade.
Strengthen multilateral frameworks such as BIMSTEC, the Colombo Security Conclave, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) to harmonize interests and counter external interference.
Address Climate and Environmental Threats
Partner with island nations like the Maldives and Seychelles to combat rising sea levels and pollution. Oman’s emphasis on balancing growth with sustainability aligns with this goal.
Help nations secure their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) against illegal fishing and trafficking, as highlighted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Revive Historical Maritime Legacy
Highlight India’s ancient maritime ties with the region, from the Pallavas and Cholas to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which underscored the importance of ports and naval power. This narrative can strengthen soft power.
Counter Geopolitical Rivalry
Engage constructively with resident powers (e.g., China) and non-resident stakeholders (e.g., US, France) to ensure the region remains a “zone of peace” rather than a contestation ground. India’s neutral stance on issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict can foster trust.
Post-independence Indian governments prioritized land-based defence, leaving the navy and shipbuilding industry underdeveloped (India ranks 20th globally in shipbuilding, with a 0.06% market share, while China alone holds over 50%).
India should counter China’s debt-trap strategies by offering sustainable financing for projects like Sri Lanka’s economic stabilization package (for eg. India supported with $4 billion during the economic crisis).
Countries should collaborate on developing undersea cable, strengthen security and digital infrastructure to counter Chinese dominance.
India by prioritizing maritime security, connectivity, climate resilience, and diplomatic engagement, can position itself as the stabilizing force. The success of initiatives like the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision and the IOC will depend on India’s ability to balance geopolitical competition with inclusive cooperation.
Must Read Articles:
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MARITIME SECURITY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the concept of “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Evaluate its implementation and impact on India’s relations with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations. 250 words |
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