Overview of the Indian Ocean Conference
India, alongside its Indian Ocean partners such as Singapore and Oman, is hosting the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat. This event gathers foreign ministers from approximately 30 countries to discuss the region's future, highlighting its strategic significance.
Historical and Strategic Significance
- Oman and India have shared maritime links for over five millennia, reinforcing their strategic partnership.
- The Indian Ocean was named due to India's historical influence, contrasting with oceans named after explorers and mythologies.
- The Indian Ocean has been pivotal from the first millennium, supporting trade and cultural exchanges, exemplified by the voyages of Indian merchants and rulers.
- European colonial powers later dominated the region, impacting India's maritime prominence.
Indian Ocean's Current Geopolitical Context
- The "Indo-Pacific" is a geo-strategic concept with major power competitions, whereas the "Indian Ocean" maintains a cultural and civilizational connection.
- India has historically lagged in developing its maritime capabilities, ranking 20th in global shipbuilding.
Strategic Initiatives and Regional Influence
- The Indian Ocean is crucial for global trade, handling 70% of world container traffic, and is vital for India’s trade and energy imports.
- Around 80 per cent of India’s external trade and 90 per cent of energy trade passes through these ocean lines.
- India has realized its strategic position and goodwill in the region, now actively engaging in initiatives like the SAGAR ( Security And Growth for All in the Region) Initiative.
- Major powers, including the US, UK, France, and China, have established a presence in the region, highlighting its strategic importance.
Challenges and Opportunities
- The region faces numerous challenges, including piracy, terrorism, climate change, and illegal activities.
- Next-generation communication networks, managed by companies like Huawei, are expanding, presenting both opportunities and security challenges.
- Alfred T Mahan's theory on maritime supremacy underscores the need for regional powers to maintain control over the Indian Ocean.
In summary, the Indian Ocean remains a pivotal region for global trade and geopolitics. India's engagement through strategic initiatives and partnerships is crucial for maintaining regional stability and harnessing the ocean’s potential for economic and strategic benefits.
