India can assume the task of providing net security in the Indian Ocean region and is a trustworthy partner. Discuss. (250 words)
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India has indeed emerged as a significant net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
In summary, India’s proactive approach, operational successes, and diplomatic engagement position it as a reliable net security provider in the Indian Ocean. Its commitment to safety and humanitarian assistance underscores its trustworthiness as a partner in the IOR.
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:
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:
Security:
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Role:
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:
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.
Answer: Indian Ocean Region (IOR) forms an important part of oceanic commons consisting of littoral states of the Indian Ocean marked by a glaring cultural, social, political and economic diversity. It is home to one-third of the world’s population, 25% of the world’s landmass and 40% of the world’s oil and gas reserves. India as a reliable partner of the Indian Ocean Region:
India as the net security provider in the IOR:
However, in order to emerge as the net security provider in the region, certain challenges need to be addressed such as rapidly emerging and assertive China, relatively inadequate existing military hardware of India, challenges from non-state forces such as piracy, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, illicit weapons trafficking, etc. In this context, formulating a coherent IOR strategy and capability enhancement of IOR nations can go a long way in consolidating India’s position in the region.