The geostrategic location of the Indian Ocean explains the connection between the existence of the Ocean as a part of the global commons and the security facet of the region. The resource wealth the Indian Ocean holds has immense potential to push India’s economic growth trajectory which will eventually lead to competition. 

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By Meenakshy Menon,

There is a link between security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and conservation of the global common — the Indian Ocean. Global common is defined as the “domains where the Earth’s shared natural resources are found such as the high oceans, the atmosphere, outer space and the Antarctic in particular”. The Indian Ocean is considered to be part of the Global commons since it is one of “Earth’s shared water resources” and all the countries have access to it. Moreover, it is one of the largest resources of marine and fisheries and has the potential for a thriving blue economy in the Asian region. According to a recent news report, India is seeking out bidders for the construction of warships worth $2 billion in the domestic shipyards. This is just the first in a series of steps that would be taken by the Indian government to maintain maritime security around the Indian Ocean.

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Meenakshy Menon is a Research Intern at CPPR-Centre for Strategic Studies. Views expressed by the author are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of Centre for Public Policy Research.

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