Why Indian Ocean is IMPORTANT for India

Indian Ocean region consists of 28 states spans across 3 continents and covers 17.5% of global land area.

These 28 countries include 21 members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oma, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Brunei, Cambodia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, Vietnam).

WHY THIS REGION IS IMPORTANT?

The Indian Ocean region holds 16.8% of the world’s proven oil reserves and 27.9% of proven natural gas reserved. Indian ocean economies accounted for 35.5% of global iron production and 17.8% of world gold production in 2017.

The region was also responsible for 28% of global fish captures in 2016 and there has been a continuous increase in fish capture in the region since the 1950s.

But, what’s more important to know why Indian Ocean is important is because MARITIME TRADE. The Indian Ocean is home to major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and East Asia with Europe and the Americas.

These sea routes (i) facilitate maritime trade in the Indian Ocean region (ii) carry more than half of the world’s sea — borne oil, host 23 of the world’s top 100 container ports.

China has emerged as the most important trading partner of the Indian Ocean region accounting for 16.1% of its goods trade in 2017, up from 4.8% in 2000.

In short, Indian Ocean region plays extremely important for TRADE, and for its RICH RESOURCES.

We must know that Indian Ocean region is mainly important for TRADE purpose. Mainly for our Oil. Our oil requirements are met through the Indian Ocean region.

We already see Chinese Presence in Indian ocean region. We are seeing that Chinese government is trying to take control over Indian Ocean region. We see that by their Belt and Road Initiative

To know more about belt and Road Initiative check out this https://medium.com/@indira.mirji44/belt-and-road-initiative-1eaf86d55501

“They say that the one who controls water wins the world.”

and its quite true. We see China building ports in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Djibouti. Why? Because these routes follow China’s trade routes. If China takes control over Indian Ocean and it would be very difficult for India to Trade. I feel that India would be semi colonized in terms of trade. We already lost Pok (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) which was connecting us to the Middle East countries. Now, China is attacking at North — Eastern states by claiming as their land.

What India is doing?

1st Choke Point-

For China’s Strings of Pearls India has got its Necklace of Diamond strategy. For China’s Djibouti port, India is building PORT OF DUQM in Oman this is where India’s imports and crude imports come through Persian Gulf. This port is located on the southeastern seaboard for Oman which connects us Arabian sea and Indian Ocean. Since India has good relations with Oman, we have military access to this port.

2nd Choke Point-

which is Mozambique channel. In 2015 Prime Minister of India signed an agreement with Seychelles to build an assumption island. But, unfortunately this diamond as of now is in shaky situation.

3rd Choke Point -

Main choke point which is strait of Malacca. We have CHANGI NAVAL BASE. The Prime Minister of India signed an agreement with Singapore. This agreement has provided direct access to Indian Navy. This is followed by Sabang Airport in Indonesia and also got military access to this port. This port is situated right at the entrance of Strait of Malacca. So, if China tries to choke us by their strings to pearls theory, we can use this Strait of Malacca diamond to choke China because China’s 70% oil supply and 60% of trade flows through Strait of Malacca region.

We also have India-Vietnam diamond there we have been building CAM RANH Port. We have good relations with Vietnam and have been exporting defense equipment to Vietnam.

The next important diamond is Japan. India and Japan signed Acquisition and Cross- Serving Agreement. This would allow militaries of both the countries to supplies and services on mutual basis.

Mongolia- The Prime Minister of India became first Indian to visit Mongolia and we have established good relations with them and have given credit of 1 billion Dollar to establish air corridor for Mongolia. Iran- We have Chabahar Port in Iran it is very close to Gwadar Port in Pakistan.

If we connect these dots, it is a necklace around China.