Geo-strategic significance of the Indian Ocean

A nation like India that is blessed with 7517 kilometers of coastline[i] and shares a rich maritime heritage with the sea, the ocean is more than just a natural boundary to India: it acts as a gateway for immense opportunities. The term ‘Blue Economy’, besides being just a trendy phase in the country, will allow India to make a sustainable use of ocean resources to create jobs, drive innovation, facilitate economic growth and environment protection, thereby providing a pathway for a resilient future. [ii]

India has a thoughtful and ambitious vision for its blue economy: it aims to utilize the marine resources not just for economic growth, but also for creating a sustainable environment.

Key Initiatives in the Blue Economy

India has undertaken several meaningful steps to catapult its vision of the Blue economy. Initiatives like the Sagarmala project are significantly improving the life of coastal communities by allowing port modernization and facilitating smoother trade by enhancing connectivity [iii]Similarly, the Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore deep sea resources like valuable minerals and new energy sources[iv].

In addition, India’s active participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), further emphasized its commitment towards regional cooperation by implementing capacity building measures through different meaningful partnerships, to ensure that the Indian Ocean becomes a hub of sustainable economic activity and a shared resource that will benefit all nations [v].

Opportunities in the Indian Ocean

Renewable energy, particularly the offshore wind and tidal energy also possess immense potential, waiting to be harnessed.

The ocean offers incredible opportunities to connect different economies and expand maritime trade in India with some of the busiest shipping lanes cutting through its waters. The ocean floor is rich in minerals, consisting of rare elements that can enhance technology and introduce clean energy innovations.

By promoting eco-tourism and ensuring the protection of its marine bio-diversity at the same time, India has been able to demonstrate its power in striking a healthy balance between fostering development and protecting conservation while creating a sustainable future for itself.

Challenges in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean stretches far and wide and therefore, is not immune to security threats like piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing which significantly compromise the region’s safety. As a result, it becomes paramount for India to strengthen its naval capacities and international partnerships in order to ensure maritime security,

Environmental degradation poses another key security concern. Water pollution, overfishing and worsening climate change has significantly deteriorated the marine co-systems.

Conclusion

India’s successful realization of Blue economy will largely depend on its ability to adopt practices that foster economic development along with maritime security. By embracing innovation, prioritizing sustainable practices and building robust policy frameworks, India can successfully transform the Indian ocean into a hub of possibilities for generations to come.

 

Blog by: Saanya Sidhra, Research Intern, CS3, USI

 

Endnotes:

[i] Smith-Godfrey, S. “Defining the Blue Economy.” Maritime Affairs: Journal of the National Maritime Foundation of India 12, no. 1 (2016): 58–64. https://doi.org/10.1080/09733159.2016.1175131.

[ii] IBEF. “Importance of India’s Blue Economy.” IBEF (website). Accessed February 10, 2024. https://www.ibef.org/blogs/importnace-of-india-s-blue-economy.

[iii] UNDP. “Pursuing a Blue Economy for a Sustainable and Resilient Future.” UNDP (blog). Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.undp.org/blog/pursuing-blue-economy-sustainable-and-resilient-future.

[iv] Ibid

[v] Indian Ocean Rim Association. Declaration of the Indian Ocean Rim Association on Enhancing Blue Economy Cooperation for Sustainable Development in the Indian Ocean Region. 2015. Accessed [Accessed: 17 January 2025]. https://www.iora.int/media/8216/iora-mauritius-declaration-on-blue-economy.pdf.