Intro- “Whoever controls the Indian Ocean, dominates Asia. This ocean is the key to the seven seas. In the Twenty – First century, the destiny of the world will be decided on its waters”-Alfred Mahan (on Indian Ocean)
Lord Curzon understood that India’s security and greatness were intimately tied to the maritime routes and choke points connecting it to Europe and the Far East. In his words “lose control of these and India would be hostage to its strongest landward neighbor.”
5 pillars of SAGAR-
India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR
Active engagement with friendly countries in IOR
Developing a network to take effective collective action for advancing peace and security in the region
Integrated and a cooperative focus for sustainable development of all countries in the region
Primary responsibility for peace and stability in IOR will be on those “who live in the region.”
PM Modi has highlighted Indian approach to Indian ocean-
Deepening economic and security cooperation with “our friends” in the region to strengthen maritime security capacities
Leveraging institutional mechanisms such as IONS
Need for development of blue economy with special focus in climate change
He called for a new approach to the role of external powers in securing Indian ocean
There is a need to have a climate of trust and transparency, respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries, sensitivity to each other’s interests, peaceful resolution of maritime issues and increase in maritime cooperation
This is the century of Asia and Africa. The Indian Ocean Region is a space that both these continents share. It bridges two very consequential economic spaces
PM Modi at UNSC, August 2021
SJ in his TIW- For India, getting its Indo Pacific approach right rest on ensuring that it works out its Indian ocean strategy even more correctly
Nontraditional security issues such as climate change, illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and human trafficking will come to play a bigger role in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean.
Always draw the below diagram indicating crucial choke points and need for India to have a hold on these choke-points
India’s initiatives-
IONS
IORA
Observer of Indian ocean commission
Military logistics agreements with various countries
SAGAR
IFC-IOR : France has already posted a liason officer and quad countries are soon to follow
Malabar exercise in Indian ocean
conclusion- PM Modi at shangri la dialogue - oceans had an important role in India's thinking since pre vedic times. It now holds key to our future.
