Indian Ocean region 

It encompasses around 38 nations and stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Australia. It also includes the Arab Gulf, East Africa, South Asia, East Africa, the Straits of Malacca, and the Southern Ocean Islands. It acts as a vital transit route that crosses major choke points including the Straits of Malacca, the Straits of Hormuz, Bab el Mandeb, and the Ombai and Wetar Straits to bridge the gap between the East and the West. 

India’s role as reliable partner and net security provider:  

construction of Strategic Infrastructure:  

• India’s construction of the strategically positioned Kankesanthurai port in northern Sri Lanka, two countries would have improved connection.  

•  In the Maldives, India runs and maintains airplanes, helicopters, and radars, some of which are utilized for medical evacuations.  

    Through these projects, India gains a significant footing in a region that is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which also includes Sri Lanka and the Maldives.  

Increasing Deployments:  

• It routinely deploys warships to patrol and monitor the expansive exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of nations such as the Seychelles and the Maldives together.  

• The Lakshadweep islands’ INS Jatayu naval facility was put into service by India. 

•  A renovated airfield and jetty on Mauritius’s Agaléga islands were jointly opened by India. 

Security:  

• With the greatest network of surveillance and vigilance activities in the IOR, India has taken on the role of Net security provider in the area, preventing crimes including terrorism, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and smuggling. 

Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Role: 

•  India is the First Responder in the Region during any Crisis Situation in the Spirit of Neighbourhood First. An example is the Indian Coast Guard watering down piracy attempts in the Red Sea 

SAGAR Vision: 

 which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, is to protect the maritime interests of the region’s islands and mainland. 

The MILAN Exercise:                  highlights the Navy’s increasing status as an IOR first responder and preferred security partner.  

Initiatives for Regional Cooperation:  

• The intergovernmental Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)  Colombo Security Conclave, aimed at maintaining the security and stability of the Indian Ocean area 

Conclusion 

India’s rise as a global power and successes in the IOR signal India’s readiness to take up greater responsibility as a potential net security provider in the wider Indo-Pacific. However, with the evolving geopolitical landscape, the quest comes with challenges and opportunities.