Muscat, February 16, 2025 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in his speech on the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, underlined the urgent need for cooperative efforts to tackle a myriad of challenges that the Indian Ocean region (IOR) is facing. Citing the all-important role of the ocean as a “global lifeline,” he pronounced the equality of strategies for development, security, and stability across the region.
Indian Ocean: A Connect of Global Interests
Jaishankar, while addressing the audience, stated the importance of the Indian Ocean in global trade stabilization. He said: “the Indian Ocean is verily a global lifeline.” The vast expanse of ocean allows a significant portion of global trade to take place; hence securitization and prosperity of this ocean are critical not only for the littoral states, but for the global community too.
Challenges at Either End of the Ocean
Minister Jaishankar pointed to distinct yet interrelated challenges that characterize both extremities of the ocean. The western end- particularly in West Asia- has an ongoing conflict with immense ramifications in mandating maritime trade routes disrupting global shipping and economic activity adversely. He remarked, “there is intense conflict underway in the Middle East/West Asia that could potentially escalate or expand into other areas. Its maritime consequences are visible in the serious disruption of global shipping, at great cost to our economies.”
In contrast, extending toward the eastern corner of the ocean into the Indo-Pacific region indicates a rise in tensions and sharp strategic contestations. Issues relating to unilateral actions undercutting international maritime laws and threats to freedom of navigation are taking center stage. “At the other end, the Indo-Pacific has been witness to deeper tensions and sharper contestations. The nature of the situation is indelibly maritime in nature; this involves respects for and observance of international law,” emphasized Minister Jaishankar.
Towards a Stable Regional Role of India
To reaffirm its commitment towards regional stability, Minister Jaishankar enunciated the multi-faceted approach that India has adopted to ensure security and development in the Indian Ocean Region. He pointed out that India has gone ahead with efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness, capacity building, and humanitarian assistance in situations of natural disasters or any other crises. “India shall rapidly enhance its capability, build its partnerships with Indian Ocean neighbors, accept the responsibilities that come with its stature, and step up in times of need,” he said.
The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is a pivotal element in India’s maritime strategy, focusing on a secure and stable maritime environment achieved collectively. This mandates the observance of international maritime laws, freedom of navigation, and a secure and sustainable economy.
Regional Partnerships
Minister Jaishankar has called for Indian Ocean littoral states to reinvigorate collaborative mechanisms to resolve shared challenges. He advocated for creating connectivity projects with transparency and inclusiveness, safeguarding Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and combating traditional security threats including piracy, terrorism, and illegal trafficking.
“No one country can develop by itself. Cooperation among regional players is fundamental to mutual progress.” Other conference participants echoed this sentiment, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who emphasized regional cooperation and warned against external powers determining the future of the region. “We cannot allow the geostrategic rivalries of global powers to decide the future of this region.”
Addressing Economic/Environmental Concerns
The conference additionally deliberated on the economic and environmental challenges of the Indian Ocean Region. Many nations are grappling with limited resource availability, vast debts, and the devastating effects of climate change. Minister Jaishankar underlined the need for sustainable modes of development and collective initiative in achieving the SDGs set forth by the United Nations.
