The 6th Indian Ocean Conference recently took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The theme “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” brought together delegates from more than 25 countries to discuss methods of promoting economic development while maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Major Highlights of the Conference
Key areas of discussion included enhancing regional connectivity, upholding legal agreements, managing debt, and shared responsibility.
Connectivity within the Indian Ocean Region
India, as a major player in the Indian Ocean region, faces significant challenges in improving connectivity, particularly with Southeast Asia. Despite these difficulties, collective effort is called upon to overcome barriers. India’s aspirations also extend to developing multi-modal connectivity to the Gulf and Central Asia. Cooperation and a long-term perspective are deemed necessary to meet these aims.
Legal Obligations and Agreements
Respecting legal obligations and honoring agreements are crucial for building trust among member nations and ensuring sustained progress. Adherence to international law, norms, and rules forms the basis for a stable international order.
Sustainable Practices and Debt Management
Concerns were raised about unsustainable debt generated by unviable projects, like in the case of Sri Lanka. Transparent lending practices and consideration of market realities are required to avoid future complications.
Shared Responsibility and Focus
Ensuring maritime security requires collective responsibility and focused efforts. Nations need to take practical action, communicate clearly, and address threats posed by extremism and fundamentalism.
What is the Indian Ocean Conference?
The Indian Ocean Conference is a forum for countries in the Indian Ocean region to discuss prospects for regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in Region (SAGAR).
Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region
The region faces multiple challenges, including geopolitical competition, China’s militarization move, maritime security threats, and environmental challenges.
Geopolitical Competition
The Indian Ocean is a hotspot for strategic interest and competition among major global and regional powers, leading to potential tensions and conflicts.
China’s Influence and Presence
China’s growing military and infrastructural presence in the Indian Ocean poses a challenge to India’s interests and stability in the region.
Maritime Security Threats
The Indian Ocean Region faces various maritime security threats, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and terrorism.
Environmental Challenges
Climate change, rising sea levels, coral reef degradation, and marine pollution are significant environmental challenges in the region.
Way Forward
Promoting blue economy initiatives, enhancing maritime security collaboration, and implementing climate change resilience measures are considered as potential solutions to these challenges.
Promoting Blue Economy Initiatives
Leveraging the rich marine resources of the Indian Ocean Region through the promotion of renewable energy generation, sustainable fisheries, development of marine biotechnology, and fostering eco-tourism can drive sustainable economic growth.
Enhancing Maritime Security Collaboration
Strengthening information-sharing mechanisms, leveraging technology for maritime domain awareness, and promoting joint naval exercises and patrols can enhance maritime security in the region.
Climate Change Resilience
Implementing climate-resilient infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and fostering cooperation for climate change adaptation and mitigation can help the region deal with the impacts of climate change.
