India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

Why the Indian Ocean Matters:

• Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, hosting 1/3rd of the global population and acting as a crucial maritime trade route. It is responsible for the transit of over 2/3rd of the world's oil shipments, and 90% of India’s trade by volume passes through it, including nearly all oil imports.

• Geopolitical Leverage: India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Indian Ocean spans 2.4 million sq. km, giving it significant influence in the region.

India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

1. Strategic Partnerships:

   • Neighbourhood First & SAGAR Doctrine: India's approach to the Indian Ocean is primarily shaped by its Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. This has evolved into the MAHASAGAR doctrine, introduced in March 2025, focusing on mutual and holistic advancement for regional security and growth.

2. Net Security Provider:

   • India has established itself as the net security provider in the region, particularly through active counter-piracy operations, anti-maritime terrorism efforts, and cooperation against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

   • India also engages in joint EEZ surveillance, and shares information through the Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR), strengthening maritime security.

3. Engagement with Littoral States:

   • India has fostered strong bilateral partnerships with littoral states in the region such as Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles, focusing on:

     • Developmental assistance,

     • Capacity building programs,

     • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR),

     • Defence and maritime security cooperation.

4. Regional Leadership:

   • India has taken a leadership role in multilateral platforms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). India is also pivotal in initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which address a range of issues from maritime security to strategic technologies and supply chain resilience.

5. Infrastructure and Connectivity:

   • Port Development: India has invested heavily in port infrastructure across the Indian Ocean, such as the Chabahar Port in Iran, and initiatives in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Seychelles, to bolster connectivity and strategic presence.

   • Sagarmala 2.0: This flagship initiative focuses on enhancing port connectivity, developing inland waterways, and promoting industrial growth to enhance India’s maritime competitiveness.

6. Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief:

   • India has proven itself as a reliable first responder in times of natural disasters. For instance, during Typhoon Yagi, India launched Operation 'Sadbhav', delivering disaster relief and medical supplies to countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

Important Multilateral Platforms in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

1. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

   • A regional grouping aimed at promoting economic cooperation, maritime safety, and environmental security, with India as a founding member.

2. Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

   • Initiated by India in 2008, IONS seeks to foster maritime cooperation among the navies of the littoral states.

3. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):

   • Launched by India in 2019, IPOI is a non-treaty-based global initiative aimed at the sustainable management of the maritime domain and the conservation of ocean resources.

4. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD):

   • Focuses on maritime security, HADR, and strategic issues across the Indo-Pacific region.

5. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC):

   • India leads the security pillar of BIMSTEC, which focuses on counterterrorism, transnational crime, disaster management, and energy security in the region.

6. Indian Ocean Commission (IOC):

   • While India is an observer state, the IOC plays a significant role in economic, environmental, and maritime security issues in the region.

Challenges to India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

1. Geopolitical Challenges:

   • Increasing Influence of Extra-Regional Players: Countries like China have increased their presence in the Indian Ocean through investments in infrastructure (e.g., Sri Lanka, Maldives), and have enhanced their strategic footprint in the region, challenging India's traditional dominance in the area.

   • Island States’ Hedging: Some island nations are diversifying their partnerships, creating challenges for India in maintaining steady economic and security engagement with these countries.

2. Maritime Security Concerns:

   • The region is plagued by piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and smuggling, posing challenges to India’s efforts to secure maritime trade routes.

3. Infrastructure Gaps:

   • Many littoral states, including key Indian partners like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, face significant infrastructure and financial limitations, impeding the full implementation of India’s development and security objectives.

Way Forward for India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

1. Tailored Strategic Engagement Plan:

   • India should devise a comprehensive and flexible strategy, focusing on maritime security, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and defence cooperation. This strategy should be applicable to all 35 littoral states in the region.

2. Institutionalizing Strategy Execution:

   • Establish an Inter-Ministerial Task Force that integrates inputs from key ministries, addressing existing institutional silos and streamlining decision-making processes. This will enable faster execution of India’s interests and better coordination in the region.

3. Integrating Indian Ocean & Indo-Pacific Strategies:

   • A coherent maritime strategy should be developed, integrating policies in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions. This includes bolstering cooperation through key multilateral platforms such as QUAD, IORA, and ASEAN.

4. Green MAHASAGAR:

   • Environmental sustainability should be central to India’s regional strategy, with a focus on protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, improving disaster response, and promoting the Blue Economy.

5. Enhancing Maritime Strategy:

   • Strengthen maritime deterrence through the use of advanced technologies like satellite surveillance and AI-driven Maritime Domain Awareness to monitor the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.

6. Indian Navy Modernization:

   • India should prioritize indigenous development under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to modernize its naval forces, improving fleet readiness, personnel training, and logistics support.

7. Cultural Diplomacy:

   • To enhance India’s soft power, the funding of Indian missions should be increased to support initiatives such as Cultural Centers, art performances, and the promotion of Indian heritage in littoral states.

Conclusion:

India’s strategy in the Indian Ocean focuses on ensuring regional security, fostering cooperation, and advancing its strategic and economic interests. The ultimate goal is to promote greater prosperity and to make the Indian Ocean a free, open, and inclusive space, adhering to the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India's role as a net security provider, a key development partner, and a regional leader is crucial in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Region, ensuring stability, security, and sustainable development in this vital area