The recent news that India has joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC) as an observer marks a significant stride towards enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. This development comes as part of a series of efforts to strengthen India’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific.
Djibouti Code of Conduct: An Overview
At its core, the Djibouti Code of Conduct (also known as the Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden) represents an agreement to counter piracy and armed robbery against ships. Its inception dates back to 29th January 2009 under the umbrella of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The main objective? To enable cooperation between signatories to repress piracy and armed robbery on the waters.
Jeddah Amendment: A Broadened Scope
In 2017, the Jeddah amendment to the DCOC further expanded its coverage, bringing in activities like human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in its ambit. The amendment seeks to build both national and regional capacity to address broader maritime security issues, thus fostering sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
Members and Observers of the Djibouti Code of Conduct
So far, the DCOC has been ratified by 20 countries such as Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, and others located around the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and eastern Africa. Observers to the DCOC include countries like India, Japan, Norway, the UK, and the USA.
India’s Role as an Observer: What it Means?
India’s ascension as an observer in the DCOC holds a number of implications. Firstly, it aids in enhancing India’s strategic footprints across the Western and Eastern Indian Ocean, along with Eastern African coastal states. The move complements India’s Indo-Pacific policy, which aims to fortify its position in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters.
Blue Economy: A Key Focus
The Blue Economy concept is a crucial element of the Jeddah Amendment. It frames a sustainable use of oceanic resources for improving economic growth, livelihoods, job creation and maintaining ocean ecosystem health. India drives growth in the Blue Economy through the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and its entry as an observer in the DCOC marks another step forward.
India’s Stance Amid China’s Assertiveness
China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, along with its increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region, may pose a threat to India’s interests. From this perspective, developing blue-water naval capabilities becomes fundamental for India.
India’s Footprint in the Indo-Pacific Region
India has made substantial efforts to shape the concept of the Indo-Pacific, specifically emphasizing the inclusion of the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Notable moves include its participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), an ad-hoc group consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the USA with shared objectives to ensure a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
ASEAN Centrality and SAGAR
India’s Indo-Pacific framework stresses the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its Act East policy facilitates increased cooperation with ASEAN members. The concept of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), introduced in 2015, presents a strategic vision for the Indian Ocean region, advocating for deepened economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbors.
Through these cumulative efforts, India continues to drive its strategic partners’ focus towards the Western Indian Ocean and further, aims to play a significant role in shaping maritime security in the region.
