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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
