Why in the News? 

Since October 2023, the Indian government has shifted its focus from the Indo-Pacific to the Indian Ocean, diverting attention from strengthening the Quad alliance.

• Both the Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Indian Ocean have become active geographies again.

What are the reasons behind this Policy Shift?

• Maldives and China- The Maldives, under President Mohamed Muizzu, is strengthening ties with China, potentially straining its relationship with India.
• Sri Lanka and India- Sri Lanka has shown sensitivity to India’s security concerns by imposing a moratorium on foreign research ships, including Chinese ones, to its ports.
• India-Mauritius Cooperation– India’s SAGAR policy resulted in inaugurating infrastructure in the Agaléga Islands, enhancing Mauritius’s capability to manage its Extended Economic Zone.
• Geopolitical Dynamics-  The Western Indian Ocean and Northern Indian Ocean regions are witnessing increased activity, including conflicts and disruptions in maritime trade routes.
  • Example-In the Western Indian Ocean, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, leading to attacks by Houthi rebels on international shipping.
• China’s Naval Expansion- China aims to assert dominance in the region by expanding its naval footprint and fostering partnerships with countries under the string of pearls policy like the Maldives.
• India-China Strategic Competition– India and China are engaged in strategic competition, highlighted by China’s efforts to create an adverse environment for India’s security and its quest for naval bases in key locations.

Suggestive measures:

• Shift in Focus to Indian Ocean: India should prioritize the Indian Ocean region over the Indo-Pacific and convey this clearly to its strategic partners.
• Evaluation of Existing Mechanisms: There is a need for a critical audit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) due to their perceived underperformance and ineffectiveness.
• Proposal for a New Mechanism: India should consider advocating for the creation of a new organization focused on bolstering maritime security and promoting the Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean region.
  • This proposed organization could include India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar.
  • The ninth seat may be kept for the Maldives if it adopts a sensible policy. This group can be named the ‘Indian Ocean Cooperation Organisation.
• Enhancement of Indian Navy: India should allocate new budgetary resources to strengthen its Navy further, aiming to make it the third or fourth most powerful navy globally, in line with India’s ambition to become the third-largest economy.

Conclusion

India’s policy shift towards the Indian Ocean region necessitates prioritizing strategic partnerships, auditing existing mechanisms, advocating for new collaborative initiatives, and enhancing naval capabilities to safeguard regional security and promote economic prosperity.

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