Recently, during the 18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in New Delhi, India’s Defence Minister emphasized the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth while maintaining the health of the ecosystem. He upheld India’s stand for open and rule-based maritime borders in the Indo-Pacific.
Understanding HACGAM
The Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) is an apex level forum established in 2004 that enables a congregation of primary Coast Guard Agencies of the Asian region. It represents a multilateral forum consisting of 23 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, Vietnam, and one Region i.e., Hong Kong (China). The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is hosting the 18th HACGAM, with a total of 55 representatives from 18 different participating countries.
Overview of the Indo-Pacific Region
The Indo-Pacific is a comparatively new concept, but over a decade it has risen notably in significance, acknowledged as a combined strategic theater linking the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. This region’s importance lies in its maritime routes that facilitate the majority of the world’s trade. Additionally, it hosts approximately 60% of the world’s population and 2/3rd of the global economic output, making it an economic powerhouse.
India’s Perspective of the Indo-Pacific
India envisions the Indo-Pacific region as a free, open, inclusive area encompassing all nations in the geography and others who have a stake in it. From a trade perspective, India supports a rule-based, open, balanced, and stable environment that uplifts all nations on the tide of trade and investment. Unlike China, India seeks a unified ASEAN and is looking to cooperate with China, against the region being dominated by a single player.
Current Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region
The Indo-Pacific region faces several significant challenges. It is a primary theater of geo-strategic competition between various multilateral institutions. China’s militarization moves pose a risk to India’s interests and stability in the Indian Ocean. Non-traditional issues like piracy, trafficking, and terrorism, along with the geographical and ecological instability due to climate change, also plague this region. Furthermore, India’s limited naval capacity due to budget constraints hinders its efforts in maintaining its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
A Step Forward
To ensure peace and stability in the region, it is crucial for countries to have equal access under international law to common spaces on the sea and in the air, thereby requiring freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute settlements. Establishing connectivity based on respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, good governance, transparency, and viability is equally important.
Maintaining maritime domain awareness (MDA), promoting multipolarity, and addressing smaller states’ expectations for India’s economic and military help are vital steps towards democratising the region.
One of the potential discussion points is how partnerships like AUKUS aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region impact the existing partnerships and whether it supersedes them. This highlights the complexity and the evolving landscape of geopolitical relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024