Improving and enhancing connectivity in the Indian Ocean region emerged as a top priority during the 6th Indian Ocean Conference held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in the year 2023. The conference, with the theme “Peace Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” brought together delegates from over 25 countries to discuss ways to promote economic development while maintaining peace and stability in the region.
What are the Major Highlights of the Conference?
Connectivity:
India, being a significant player in the Indian Ocean region, faces distinct challenges in achieving enhanced connectivity. Establishing a land connection with Southeast Asia poses unique difficulties for India.
Despite the challenges, there is a call for collective efforts to overcome obstacles and improve connectivity. The Indian Foreign Minister emphasized the potential game-changing impact of establishing an effective and efficient connectivity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
India also aspires to develop multi-model connectivity to the Gulf and Central Asia. To tackle the connectivity challenges and promote regional development, coun tries in the Indian Ocean region need to embrace cooperation and adopt a long-term perspective.
Examples like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Economic Technical and Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) demonstrate the significance of deeper cooperation and efforts.
Upholding Legal Obligations and Agreements:
Disregarding legal obligations or violating long-standing agreements can undermine trust and confidence among member nations. Taking a long-term view of coopera- tion is essential to ensure sustained progress.
Adherence to international law, norms, and rules is vital for building a stable international order.
Sustainable Projects and Debt: Unsustainable debt generated by unviable projects is a concern for countries in the region. (Example-Sri Lanka). Encouraging transparent lending practices and considering market realities are necessary to avoid future complications.
Shared Responsibility and Focus:
The Indian Ocean region shared requires responsibility and focused efforts to ensure its stability
and prosperity: Ensuring maritime security is a collective responsibility that should not be compro- Imised for individual dominance. Practical action is complementing needed for diplomatic positions.
The conference also highlighted the importance of climate action and counter- terrorism initiatives. Nations must also address the threats posed by extremism and fundamentalism, safeguarding their social fabrics.
What is Indian Ocean Conference?
Indian Ocean Conference is a flagship consultative forum of the Indian Ocean countries to deliberate upon the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in Region (SAGAR).
The first edition of the Indian Ocean conference was held in Singapore in 2016 and fifth in 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.Various Posts and Blogs are available in internet for furthur informaiton.
What are the Major Challenges Related to the Indian Ocean Region?
Geopolitical Competition:
The Indian Ocean region is a hotspot for geopolitical competition among major powers and regional actors. The competition involves strategic interests, accessence,resources, leading to tensions and potential conflicts.The Indian Ocean occupies a central position between the major global powers, including India, China, the United States, and countries of the Middle East and Africa.
Its location allows for power projection and influence over regional affairs. The presence of key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Malacca Strait further enhances its strategic significance.
China’s Militarization Move: China has been a challenge to India’s interests and stability in the Indian Ocean. India’s neighbors are receiving military and infrastructural assistance from China, including sub- marines for Myanmar, frigates for Sri Lanka, and its overseas military base in Djibouti (Horn of Africa). Also, China has a hold over Hambantota port (Sri Lanka), which is just a few hundred miles off the shores of India.
Maritime Security Threats: The IOR is vulnerable to various maritime security threats, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and terrorism. Also, the vastness of the Indian Ocean makes it chal- and lenging to monitor secure its maritime domain effectively.
Environmental Challenges: Climate change, rising sea levels, coral reef degrada- tion, and marine pollution are significant environmen- tal challenges in the IOR. These issues affect coastal communities, marine U ecosystems, and the livelihoods of millions of people.
7th Indian Ocean Conference:
The 7th Indian Ocean Conference 2024 in Perth, 9-10 February 2024.The Conference was co-organized by Australia and the Indian Foundation with the theme ‘Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean’