India’s importance as a regional power in IOR has increased as India has been able to address the security concerns of regional states with robust actions against transnational threats emanating from its neighborhood. Indian Ocean Region has a central position in global maritime trade. Shipping through the region is not only vital for the economic growth of the world but it is also very significant to achieve energy security for India, Japan, China, South Korea etc. It is an area of high commercial and political activity in terms of geo-economic influence and strategic value. The importance attached to sea lines of communication security was first seen in India’s stated aspiration
IOR is an important region for India due to (i) its location at the intersection of the major world economies and maritime trade routes; (ii) contain threats to global shipping activities as well as a source of piracy; (iii) critical to regional stability and security of the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and South Africa; (iv) strategically finds itself located at the convergence zone of major military and economic power centers. This makes it an important region for India’s security interests as it is likely to influence the rise of an open economy along with other competing hegemonic powers. Let’s discuss about some of them.
Energy security: IOR is very important to keep India’s oil route safe. IOR is the term used in Indian Maritime circles for security of Indian maritime traffic and sea lanes of communication where India is dependent on foreign sources for a substantial portion of its energy, in particular crude oil. Nearly 80% of India’s crude oil requirement is imported, which are mostly routed through the sea. That is why, the IOR is very important to keep India’s oil route safe.
Trade security: The Indian Ocean region is critical to India’s security interests. It is home to the world’s busiest maritime trade route. India’s energy needs are largely dependent on imports from the region, including from the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia. In addition, India has a growing trade relationship with countries in the region. It is in India’s interest to ensure that this vital sea-lane remains free and open for navigation and commerce.
Resources: The Indian Ocean region (IOR) is said to be the lifeline of India. Being the largest and the deepest ocean, it has enormous resources that play a vital role in the economic development of India. India is among the top fishing nations for the last many decades. Various foreign fleets have for long been fishing in IOR waters inflicting heavy losses on Indian fishermen.
Security threats: India’s security covers not only its landmass, but the maritime area also. The growing strategic importance of the Indo-Asia Pacific region is evident by the rise in interests of the major and minor powers in this region. This has become inevitable due to the geopolitical ambitions of the bigger countries like the US, China, Japan, and Russia. The economic activities of the East Asia have contributed to an unprecedented security dilemma in the Pacific. The Peaceful relations with Southern Asian countries are however essential for India's economic growth.
Piracy: Piracy and smuggling have been among the major challenges facing the Indian Ocean region as well as India’s national interests. Efficient management of the security of the maritime domain can help achieve the larger objective of the development of nations across the region.
India’s policy of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) for IOR islands:
Safeguard land and maritime territories and interests: India’s policy of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) for IOR islands is a comprehensive security initiative designed to protect the valuable sea-lanes that pass through the region, and to provide security for India and its regional partners.
Deepening economic and security cooperation: India has been actively pursuing a policy in the IOR Islands which is aimed at fostering cooperation and deepening economic and security cooperation. The policy, India’s security and growth for all in the region or SAGAR calls for the development of sea lanes of communication and leading to the creation of adequate maritime infrastructure. It envisages an integrated approach to connect the region through connectivity with the mainland that could be enabled by littorals and islands.
Disaster management: Disaster Management, as part of India’s proactive role in sustainable and inclusive development of the IOR islands and promoting greater connectivity with the islands. Under SAGAR, the Indian Navy has also undertaken critical disaster mitigation initiatives including providing relief supplies for cyclone-affected areas.
Working towards sustainable regional development through enhanced collaboration: India is engaging in collaborative activities with countries in the region for greater maritime knowledge sharing, increased scientific research and joint development of infrastructure facilities. India also intends to extend its regional and sub-regional collaborative activities and exchanges with ASEAN, China and Japan.
Engaging with countries: India has a long-standing history of engaging mainly with countries in the Pacific and East Asia, which is understandable given shared culture and proximity.