India’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean

Source: The post India’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean has been created, based on the article “What India needs to do in the Indian Ocean” published in “Indian Express” on 15th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses India’s role in the Indian Ocean and its maritime influence. It highlights historical trade, security challenges, and India’s naval neglect. It also covers efforts like the SAGAR initiative and India’s hosting of the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat.

For detailed information on India’s rising power in the Indian Ocean read this article here

Why is the Indian Ocean important?

1. The Indian Ocean is the world’s third-largest ocean and connects 26 countries.
2. It handles 70% of global container traffic and 80% of India’s external trade.
3. 90% of India’s energy trade passes through its waters.
4. The region is crucial for landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan.
5. Global powers like the US, UK, France, and China have a strong presence here.

What was India’s historical role in the Indian Ocean?

1. Ancient Indian traders like the Manigramam Chettis and Nanadesis dominated maritime trade.
2. Indian kingdoms like the Andhras, Pallavas, and Cholas traded with the Arab world and Southeast Asia.
3. Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentioned port commissioners, showing India’s early focus on maritime affairs.
4. The British colonial rulers did not develop India’s naval power.
5. After independence, India continued to focus more on land-based defense.

What challenges does the Indian Ocean region face today?

1. Security threats include piracy, terrorism, arms trafficking, and illegal fishing.
2. Climate challenges include rising sea levels, disaster relief, and evacuations.
3. Undersea cables, mostly controlled by European and Chinese firms, are critical for global communication.
4. The region has become a crowded space with ships from major global powers.

How is India strengthening its maritime presence?

1. India ranks 20th in global shipbuilding, with only 0.06% market share.
2. Diplomat K M Panikkar, in India and the Indian Ocean (1945), warned about India’s maritime dependence.
3. The SAGAR Initiative (Security And Growth for All in the Region) was launched in 2015.
4. India is hosting the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat with 30 countries participating.

What is the future of India’s role in the Indian Ocean?

1. Geopolitical strategist Alfred T. Mahan said that control over the Indian Ocean is key to global power.
2. India aims to become a strong blue-water navy and lead the Global South.

3.Regional leaders must ensure that the Indian Ocean remains under their control and is not dominated by external powers.

Question for practice:

Examine the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and the challenges it faces today.