ALL EYES ARE NOW ON THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION
Why in the news?
The Indian Ocean region’s strategic significance is highlighted as focus shifts back from the Indo-Pacific, with China’s influence and India’s response scrutinised.
source:wordpress
About India’s Maritime Initiatives:
- Disaster Management: Establishment of Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System post-2004 tsunami to prevent such disasters.
- Anti-Piracy Operations: Indian Navy’s active role in UNSC-mandated Contact Group on Piracy since 2007 to combat piracy in western Indian Ocean.
- Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) Policy: Unveiled in 2015 to enhance maritime security, economic resilience, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
- Abiding by International Law: Acceptance of UNCLOS tribunal award on maritime boundary arbitration with Bangladesh.
- Data Sharing: Establishment of International Fusion Centre (IFC) in Gurugram in 2018 for sharing maritime security data in the Indian Ocean region.
Key Features of the Indian Ocean:
● Third largest water body globally, also called ‘sea of stability’. ● Vital for international trade, carrying one third of bulk cargo traffic and two thirds of oil shipments. ● Abundant in oil, natural gas, minerals; pivotal for economic vibrancy in Asia and Europe. About Indian Ocean Rim Association: ● Intergovernmental organisation for countries bordering the Indian Ocean. ● Aims to promote economic cooperation and regional integration. ● Focuses on initiatives related to trade, investment, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. |