Throughout history, powerful nations have battled for control of the world's oceans to boost their influence. The Indian Ocean, with its strategic position and wealth of resources, has often been at the heart of this struggle. In the 21st century, as global trade and supply chains become more important, the Indian Ocean is once again becoming a stage for international competition.
In this scenario, India occupies a pivotal position, influenced by its geographic location, strategic policies, and relationships with the dominant forces vying for control in the Indian Ocean.
It's fascinating to watch India's next steps in the Indian Ocean while keeping good relations to ensure sustainable and complementary development with the powers fighting for their influence.
India's Blue Economy: Significance and Challenges
The "Blue Economy" embodies the elegant balance of sustainable ocean resource use, promoting economic growth, enhancing livelihoods, and nurturing marine ecosystems.
For India, this concept holds great importance as it seeks to unlock the immense potential of its maritime assets, especially in fishing, shipping, and offshore mineral extraction in the Indian Ocean region.
By embracing the Blue Economy, India aspires to foster economic progress while safeguarding the beauty and integrity of its marine environments.
The Race for Marine Resources: Undersea Cables, Rare Minerals, and Fishing Rights
The throat-cutting competition for marine resources can now be seen on the global level.
Undersea cables running through the Indian waters make control over vital communication channels a significant geopolitical asset. India with its maritime alliances like QUAD is working towards securing its interests.
The sea beds of the Indian Ocean contain rare minerals that are crucial for technology production. Thus, India along with other nations are keen to untapp these resources through sustainable means.
The Indian Ocean's fishing rights are in tension due to global declining stocks. India's vested interest in securing them is crucial for livelihoods and food security.
The Shifting Nature of Global Conflicts: The Resurgence of Sea Power
Geopolitics centers around the relationship between geographic, political, and economic aspects, with an emphasis on oceans as a source of power.
This is evident in contemporary power conflicts that have been going on in different parts of the globe. Take the Russia-Ukraine conflict for example. It all started as a fight over land but quickly shifted to battle for supremacy over the seas from Crimea to large portions of the Black Sea.
Who can predict that the current conflict between Israel and Palestine will not extend to the Red Sea?
Along similar lines, China has also been trying its best to raise formidable maritime power in the world, specifically in the Indian Ocean region. The sea routes in this ocean connect the rich energy of the Middle East to growing Asian economies and European markets. This makes the Indian Ocean one of the busiest and most important waterways today. It links four continents—Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica—creating a lively path for trade and travel.
Thus, in Beijing's ambition to be a global power by 2049, the Indian ocean plays a significant role.
Way Forward
The Indian Ocean sits at the heart of this big geopolitical game. Yet, in our connected world, nations must find their way through a complex landscape filled with strategic challenges, cooperation, and uncertainty.
As the world’s major powers embark on this journey of geopolitical moves, it's clear that the 21st century will truly be the age of the oceans.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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Ayushi is passionate about creating content that not only interests the reader but helps them add to their knowledge. Holding a degree in science, Ayushi is exploring her creative writing as she transforms ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
