The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is an arena of great geopolitical and geo-economic importance for India and the rest of the nations in the Indo-Pacific. This region boasts the presence of many regional organisations such as the QUAD, AUKUS, IORA, etc. The IOR also encompasses some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes such as the Suez Canal, Bab al- Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Malacca.

The region is also rich in natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, and energy reserves, making it an important area for economic growth and sustainability. The IOR also faces traditional and non-traditional challenges that threaten its security and integrity. With over 7000 kilometres along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, India’s coastline is home to major ports, bustling cities, and diverse ecosystems and occupies a major position in the nation’s economic development, national security and environmental prosperity. 

The coastal think tank network project aims to create a coalition of think tanks based out of the coastal states of India to jointly research and address challenges in the IOR, adopting both regional and national perspectives. The initiative will result in an annual exercise of mapping and addressing challenges and opportunities in the region, distinct from Delhi-centered perspectives, thereby producing invaluable reference materials for governments and various stakeholders. This exercise will also create opportunities for discussions and deliberations on some of the most pressing issues facing the country, leading to awareness creation, fostering policy recommendations, and data generation crucial for attracting investments and ensuring resilience in the region.

Project Goals

1. Create a network of coastal think tanks focused on policy-driven analysis of India’s coastal region from both regional and national perspectives.
2. Present the research findings at a conference to be held in Kochi and publish a research compendium comprising the research papers written by each think tank. 
3. Position the CPPR-led network as the leading authority on coastal and maritime issues in India and lead discussions and influence policies in this area.
4. Share research findings and expertise with government bodies, security agencies, and organisations working in this area and facilitate informed decision-making and policy formulation through evidence-based research.