Shift of focus-From Indo-Pacific to Indian ocean region

Source-This post on Shift of focus-From Indo-Pacific to Indian ocean region has been created based on the article “All eyes are now on the Indian Ocean region” published in “The Hindu” on 18 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2-International relations- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests.

Context – The Indian government has attached great focus on the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen the Quad. However, policy attention has shifted back to the Indian Ocean since October 2023 due to certain compelling reasons.

What was the need to shift focus from Indo-Pacific to Indian ocean region?

1) Deterioration of India-Maldives relations -The Maldives, with Mohamed Muizzu as President, has adopted an anti-India attitude. Despite New Delhi’s patience and diplomatic tact, Male continues to deepen its pro-China policies. China has recently announced a new agreement under which unspecified military assistance would be extended to Maldives.

2) Regionalization of Israel-Hamas conflict – Both the Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Indian Ocean that stretch from the Arabian Sea to the Suez have become active geographies.

There is gradual regionalization of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This was reflected in the attacks by Houthi rebels on international shipping which led to a massive drop in transits through the Suez Canal.

3) Intensification of strategic contest between India and China-China’s strategic intent is to create an adverse environment for India’s security by turning the country’s neighbours against it. For ex- building of naval bases in Indian ocean littoral states such as Djibouti, Kyaukphyu, Gwadar, and Hambantota.

4) Strategic ambiguity of European nations-While European nations are concerned about China’s illegal claims in the South China Sea,they fail to acknowledge China’s assertiveness and hostile intent in Indian Ocean also. The geographic distance of the European nations from China gives them a sense of security.

Read more– Strategic significance of Indo-Pacific region for India

What should be the way forward?

1) Priority to Indian ocean region– India needs to convey a clear message to its strategic partners that while it is conscious of its Indo-Pacific responsibilities, it must prioritize the Indian Ocean region to secure its strategic interest in its immediate neighborhood.

2) Review of IORA & CSC-There is a need to review the working of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). IORA has been underperforming and CSC faces the danger of losing the Maldives due to its pro-China tilt.

3) Creation of Indian Ocean Cooperation Organization– There should be the creation of a new organization called Indian Ocean Cooperation Organization to bolster maritime security and optimizing the potential for the Blue Economy.
This group may comprise of four nations from the neighbourhood (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar) and four island states (Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar).

4) Strengthening Indian Navy– Foreign Affairs Insights & Review ranked the Indian Navy the seventh most powerful in the world. To contain aggressive posturing of China and to become net security provider in Indo-Pacific, India should find new budgetary resources for its Navy to make it the third or fourth strongest.

Question for practice

Indian ocean has become geopolitically volatile in last few months. In this context, highlight the significance of change in India’s policy toward Indian Ocean Region?