Indian Ocean Region

Introduction

India’s position of South Asian Centrality in the Indian Ocean Region enables it to be the leader in realising its agenda of SAGAR drawing on cooperation between all Indian Ocean states.

SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region):

It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to the Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region.

The goal is to seek

A climate of trust and transparency
Respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries
Sensitivity to each other`s interests
Peaceful resolution of maritime issues
Increase in maritime cooperation

Indian Ocean Rim Association- Delhi Declaration

Renewable Energy Development: Build a common agenda for renewable energy development and regional capacity building through the length and breadth of Indian ocean ensuring techno development and techno transfer
International Collaboration: For renewable energy development, enable IRENA and ISA as fulcrum organization for capacity building, research and human resource convergence
Global Renewable Energy Atlas: Create a comprehensive map and database of renewable energy resources throughout the Indian Ocean that can be used to tap the energy potential of the region

Maiden Maritim Exercise of IONS

Bangladesh has announced a first International Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (IMMSAREX) which would witness the participation of member nations and observers of IONS including India and China
IMMSAREX can be a buffer to the increasing competition between navies in the Indian ocean region – China and Japan(Observers) and India, France, Iran and U.K (members)

About IONS

IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of littoral states of the Indian ocean by providing an open and inclusive platform for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues
IONS consists of 35 member countries grouped into West Asia, East Africa, South Asia and South-East Asia + Australia

Objectives of IONS

IONS is engaged in enhancing regional maritime security by adopting a common strategy and capacity building to resist challenges to maritime security
It seeks to provide for Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, information security and interoperability measures in the IOR

Conclusion

India must utilize the various formal and informal multilateral platforms at its disposal to move towards a free and Open Indo Pacific guarded by multilateral security Architecture. The peaceful Indian Ocean can give a fillip to India’s blue economy and a gateway for trade-led growth.

Assumption Island Scenario

Location: Assumption Island is located in the Seychelles group of islands in western Indian ocean region proximate to East Africa and islands of Madagascar and west of Maldives.

Current Scenario: Seychelles has cancelled an agreement with India for the development of Assumption Island

Importance of Assumption Island and Impact of Cancellation

Indian Ocean Surveillance: In addition to India’s presence at proximate islands of Madives and Madagascar, Assumption Island is a critical cog in complete surveillance of western and central Indian ocean. Loss of it would affect India’s SAGAR doctrine that aims to ensure freedom of navigation for all
Strategic Choke Point: Assumption’s strategic location would have helped India wrest control of a strategic chokepoint similar to its control of the Malacca through A&N islands and deals with Vietnam and Singapore
Piracy Issues: The eastward shifting of piracy line poses non-traditional threats to free navigation. Assumption Island’s loss is a blow to Indian efforts countering such threats.