Imagine many little island states scatter over the Indian Ocean. These are the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who are neighbors of India. The neighborhood is becoming more dangerous these days due to an increase in illegal fishing and pirate activity. However, India has their back.
India works together with these island states to maintain maritime safety. To make things more difficult for the bad guys, India assists and even teaches its coast guards to monitor the waterways. They are aware of the islands’ remote location, scarcity of resources, and unpredictable weather due to climate change. Therefore, India helps the islands become more self-sufficient by sharing its own expertise on matters like harnessing renewable energy and dealing with calamities.

India gets it they’re a developing nation too. The interesting thing is that India isn’t only shoving money at the issue. They see themselves as a teammate, another developing nation that’s been there. Moreover, the vast oceanic regions around the islands contain priceless resources. India maintains stability in the whole area and protects its own position in the Indian Ocean by assisting the islands in growing and being safe.

It appears that India and these island friends will collaborate much more in the future. Imagine them conducting joint patrols, exchanging intelligence on emerging dangers, and and all working together to make the Indian Ocean a calmer and more prosperous place for everyone.