The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a key strategic and economic theater for India. Historically India has a more passive approach to security in the IOR. However, acutely conscious of the looming threat from China and the positioning of the Indo-Pacific as the next big theater of competition, India is beginning to both build up its capacity and become more forward-leaning.
Geostrategic Importance of the IOR
Maritime Crime
The Indian Ocean’s significance as a source of economic growth makes it a major theater for illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, piracy, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.
The Indian Ocean, which lies at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Australia, houses a number of littorals that play critical roles in the region. The IOR is a vital sea lane with choke points such the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, Bab-el Mandeb, and so forth. These choke points are of immense strategic importance, as huge volumes of trade pass through them. These choke points are exposed to piracy, international disputes, political dissents, and accidents. To ward off such threats and to gain/maintain a strong foothold in this resource rich region, regional and external powers flex their muscles.
Securing Sea lanes of Communication
The islands in the Indian Ocean also work significantly to shape security architecture of the IOR. These islands play a vital role along the sea lines of communication (SLOC) by giving easy access to navies continued presence and allowing them to patrol and secure SLOCs during the time of peace and war.
In the Indian Ocean, three major SLOCS play a crucial role in the energy security and economic prosperity.
SLOC connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Bab al-Mandab (that transports the bulk of Asia’s international trade with its major trading partners in Europe and America),
Strait of Hormuz (transporting the bulk of energy exports to major import destinations like India, ASEAN, and East Asia),
SLOC connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans through the Straits of Malacca (integral to the smooth flow of trade with ASEAN, East Asia, Russia’s Far East and the US).
The Indian Ocean region transports 75% of the world’s maritime trade and 50% of daily global oil consumption.
Security dynamics
The main aim of India in IOR is to protect the SLOCs, which are laden with piracy threats in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The Indian Navy has warships deployed in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf to provide safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels operating in the region.
India has also set up the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC–IOR) to keep a close watch on the movement of ships in the region. The IFC–IOR engages with partner nations to develop comprehensive maritime domain awareness and share information on vessels of interest.
India’s Maritime Initiative
Maritime Assets
India is making efforts to develop its maritime assets. The naval defense budget continues to increase each year—the proportion of the navy’s budget for buying new platforms and equipment went up by 45 percent in 2022 alone, and the largest proportion of increase in the defense budget this year went to the navy. The bulk of this budget is directed towards capabilities creation rather than salaries.
Mission-based Deployments
In a marked shift from its earlier format of engagements via naval visits for military diplomacy, training, and assistance, the Indian Navy in recent years has expanded its presence and operational reach through ‘mission-based deployments’ involving the deployment of mission ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes.
The Gulf of Aden, the northern Arabian Sea, the waters around Lakshadweep and the Maldives, the EEZs of Seychelles and Mauritius, the northern Bay of Bengal, the waters around Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Straits of Malacca southwards have been identified as seven zones for year-round patrols by 15 warships and reconnaissance aircraft.
Recasting Regionalism
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) remains the most inclusive body for regional cooperation, in which India along with Australia and Indonesia, has played a leadership role. IORA, which has traditionally emphasised maritime security, trade, cultural promotion, tourism, and fisheries but has recently diversified into resource management and governance – involves 21 states.
Increasing naval transparency and goodwill through the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) represent an additional multilateral initiative. IONS, which has 35 members, seeks to “increase maritime cooperation among navies” of the Indian Ocean littoral states.
Maritime India Vision 2030
The Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030 stands as a blueprint for the synchronised and expedited advancement of India’s maritime domain, propelling the nation to a preeminent position on the global maritime stage. Encompassing 150 initiatives spanning ten key themes that comprehensively address every aspect of the Indian maritime sphere, MIV-2030 anticipates an overarching investment ranging from Rs. 3 to 35 lakh crores across port infrastructure, shipping endeavours, and inland waterways development.
Maritime Security Coordination
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) established the position of National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) on November 10, 2021. Operating under the purview of the NMSC, the Maritime Security Division is a diverse entity comprising experts from key stakeholders within the maritime realm. It includes representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, Police, Shipping sector, Fisheries, Earth Sciences, and Maritime Law, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach.
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