Maritime security in the Indian Ocean region: compelling and convergent agendas

Abstract

The Indian Ocean region (IOR) is fast becoming a major area of global political and security interest. The region’s political and security context is quickly changing due mainly to expanding and competing Chinese and Indian spheres of influence along with relatively declining United States power. Traditional security concerns like maintenance of the freedom of maritime navigation and unfettered access to and transport of vital energy supplies are increasing in importance in the Indian Ocean. In addition, non-traditional security threats emanating from the impacts of climate change and the effects of population and industrial growth are presenting major resource management and environmental, human and food security challenges. These security challenges largely converge in the maritime domain. It is imperative that IOR-wide maritime security cooperation be progressed. Regional and extra-regional nation-states have interests to protect and capacities to contribute to IOR security. Arrangements need to be devised to accommodate the involvement of both. In this article it is argued that greater attention needs to be given to Indian Ocean maritime security and the development of IOR maritime security regimes need to be pursued as a matter of urgency.