Geo-political significance of Indian Ocean

Geo-political significance of Indian Ocean

The Indian ocean has been important in geopolitical aspect of world from early times. The discovery of the sea route in Indian ocean and subsequent trade as well as colonization has changed the world. The imperialism, spread/change of trade/agriculture etc  has occurred from times immemorial due to the routes in Indian ocean.

In modern times, the significance of Indian ocean has increased many fold.

First, Geological location – (put a small sketch here showing Indian ocean region). The IO serves not only bigger nations like India, China but also littoral states. The land locked countries like Bhutan also depend on Indian ocean for their day to day activities.

source:www.japanfocus.org

Trade-(Put small sketch for trade routes – mallacca / Suez Canal) large volumes of trade in Oil/steel/textiles/pharmaceuticals etc occur from Asia to West and East through the Indian Ocean. The trade has been increasing as the nations like India are rapidly progressing. This makes IOR very important.

Resource- Many areas in Indian Ocean are rich in minerals/oils etc. The mining of these natural resources will change the future of the nation which does it. As a result the technology/political power in this region is of importance.

Terrorism- the IOR is important in the security point of view. The Mumbai attacks has reminded us of the cost for neglecting IOR security. Now India has strengthened its coast guard and navy to meet needs of IOR.

Illegal trade – the illegal trade/narcotics etc has IOR as play ground. The golden crescent/ golden triangle are adjacent to the IOR.

source:www.wikispooks.org

The attempt of nations like US to continue the presence through Diego Garcia ( command over sea ) indicates the significance of IOR.

The rising ocean pollution (put few eg’s) need the cooperation of all nations. In such a situation the IOR and laws governing the disposal of wastes including nuclear waste in ocean assumes large geopolitical significance.

Thus Indian Ocean region has high geopolitical significance in today’s situation due to trade, location, assertion of marine control by world powers, security and environmental reasons.

The above question can be put in words like

Q: Why is Indian ocean called modern maritime silk route?

Q: What is relevance of Indian ocean with regard to China/India?

PS: Add small sketches especially in geo-optionals.