Indian Ocean Power Competition
Places in news: Afanasy Nikitin Seamount
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Seabed Authority (ISBA), AN Seamount
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights in the Afanasy Nikitin (AN) Seamount in the Indian Ocean outside its jurisdiction.
- India’s application is motivated by reports of Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the same region, raising concerns about strategic interests and resource competition.
About International Seabed Authority (ISBA)
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About AN Seamount
- The AN Seamount, located about 3,000 km from India’s coast, is a substantial structural feature in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
- A seamount is a large submarine landform that rises from the ocean floor without reaching the surface, and thus is not an island.
- It is 400 km-long and 150 km-wide. From an oceanic depth of about 4,800 metres it rises to about 1,200 metres.
- It was discovered during a marine research expedition, named after the Russian explorer Afanasy Nikitin.
- It is renowned for its polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper
Continental Shelf Claims and Implications
- Sri Lanka has applied for continental shelf claims up to 500 nautical miles beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), citing a special provision.
- India, noting Chinese presence, has staked a claim for exploration rights to prevent future consequences.
- India has also applied for permission to explore another region, spanning 3,00,000 square km, called the Carlsberg Ridge in the Central Indian Ocean to investigate for polymetallic sulphides, which are reportedly rich in copper, zinc, gold and silver.
PYQ:2021: Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:Consider the following statements about the International Seabed Authority (ISBA):
Which of the given statements is/are correct? a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
All eyes are now on the Indian Ocean region
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Why in the News?
Since October 2023, the Indian government has shifted its focus from the Indo-Pacific to the Indian Ocean, diverting attention from strengthening the Quad alliance.
- Both the Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Indian Ocean have become active geographies again.
What are the reasons behind this Policy Shift?
- Maldives and China- The Maldives, under President Mohamed Muizzu, is strengthening ties with China, potentially straining its relationship with India.
- Sri Lanka and India- Sri Lanka has shown sensitivity to India’s security concerns by imposing a moratorium on foreign research ships, including Chinese ones, to its ports.
- India-Mauritius Cooperation– India’s SAGAR policy resulted in inaugurating infrastructure in the Agaléga Islands, enhancing Mauritius’s capability to manage its Extended Economic Zone.
- Geopolitical Dynamics- The Western Indian Ocean and Northern Indian Ocean regions are witnessing increased activity, including conflicts and disruptions in maritime trade routes.
- Example-In the Western Indian Ocean, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, leading to attacks by Houthi rebels on international shipping.
- China’s Naval Expansion- China aims to assert dominance in the region by expanding its naval footprint and fostering partnerships with countries under the string of pearls policy like the Maldives.
- India-China Strategic Competition– India and China are engaged in strategic competition, highlighted by China’s efforts to create an adverse environment for India’s security and its quest for naval bases in key locations.
Suggestive measures:
- Shift in Focus to Indian Ocean: India should prioritize the Indian Ocean region over the Indo-Pacific and convey this clearly to its strategic partners.
- Evaluation of Existing Mechanisms: There is a need for a critical audit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) due to their perceived underperformance and ineffectiveness.
- Proposal for a New Mechanism: India should consider advocating for the creation of a new organization focused on bolstering maritime security and promoting the Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean region.
- This proposed organization could include India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar.
- The ninth seat may be kept for the Maldives if it adopts a sensible policy. This group can be named the ‘Indian Ocean Cooperation Organisation.
- Enhancement of Indian Navy: India should allocate new budgetary resources to strengthen its Navy further, aiming to make it the third or fourth most powerful navy globally, in line with India’s ambition to become the third-largest economy.
Conclusion
India’s policy shift towards the Indian Ocean region necessitates prioritizing strategic partnerships, auditing existing mechanisms, advocating for new collaborative initiatives, and enhancing naval capabilities to safeguard regional security and promote economic prosperity.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
PM inaugurates Naval Base and Airstrip in Agalega Island, Mauritius
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agalega Island
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- PM Modi in collaboration with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth, inaugurated a series of projects on Mauritius’ Agalega Island.
Agalega Island: A Strategic Location
- Agaléga are two outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers north of Mauritius island.
- The islands have a total area of 2,600 ha (6,400 acres).
- Notable settlements include Vingt Cinq on the North Island and Sainte Rita on the South Island, serving as primary hubs for residents and economic activities.
Significance of New Airstrip and the Base
- India’s Strategic Presence: The inauguration of a new airstrip and jetty underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its influence in the southwestern Indian Ocean, aligning with its broader strategic objectives.
- Economic Impetus: Agalega Island’s strategic location facilitates trade and connectivity in the Indian Ocean region, enhancing economic opportunities for Mauritius and neighboring countries.
- Trade Security: With a significant portion of India’s trade traversing the Indian Ocean, the development of infrastructure on Agalega Island contributes to safeguarding trade routes and ensuring maritime security.
Benefits for Mauritius
- Developmental support: Historically a slave plantation, North Agalega Island reflects the legacy of colonial exploitation, with its main town, Vingt Cinq, evoking the brutality of slavery.
- Strategic boost: India’s development initiatives aim to ameliorate conditions for the island’s inhabitants, alongside bolstering Mauritian Defence Force operations.
India’s Strategic Imperative
- Counterbalancing Chinese Influence: India’s developmental endeavors on Agalega Island serve as a proactive measure to counter China’s expanding ‘String of Pearls’ strategy, safeguarding its regional interests and sovereignty.
- Enhanced Security Infrastructure: By upgrading security infrastructure, including facilities for surveillance and monitoring, Mauritius strengthens its security apparatus, contributing to overall regional stability and resilience.
- Regional Cooperation: The projects on Agalega Island are aligned with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy initiative, aimed at fostering regional development and security cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim countries.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
7th Edition of Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The 7th Edition of Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is being held in Perth, Australia.
About Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
- IOC started in 2016, serving as the premier consultative forum for countries in the Indian Ocean region on regional affairs.
- The first edition of the Conference was held in Singapore in 2016.
- It is organised by India Foundation in partnership with other organizations in the region.
- It aims to bring together critical states and maritime partners to discuss regional cooperation under the concept of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
What is SAGAR?
- SAGAR stands for ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ and was initiated by PM Narendra Modi in 2015 at Mauritius.
- It aims to leverage the blue economy and maintain strategic partnerships with littoral states in Asia and Africa.
- It seeks to provide leadership in capacity building and capability enhancement programs transparently, aligning with other maritime initiatives like Act East Policy, Project Mausam, and Blue Economy.
Key Statements by Dignitaries this Year
- Challenges to International Rule of Law: EAM S. Jaishankar highlighted challenges to international rule of law from the Red Sea to the Indo-Pacific, implicitly targeting China’s actions.
- Call for Conflict Reduction: Australian Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity of reducing conflict in the region amid growing tensions.
- Veiled References to China’s Actions: Jaishankar made indirect references to China’s troop buildup at the Line of Actual Control and actions in the South China Sea, stressing the importance of adhering to internationally negotiated regimes.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Arun Prakash writes: Indian Navy in a threatening Red Sea
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bab al Mandab Strait
Central idea
The central idea focuses on the Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping, emphasizing the importance of navies and diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean. Historical trade warfare context and the need to address challenges like drone warfare underscore the urgency in safeguarding international trade routes. India’s proactive role and diplomatic leverage play a crucial role in ensuring regional stability.
Key Highlights:
- Houthi rebels, post the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, pose a threat to Red Sea merchant-shipping traffic.
- Alfred Mahan’s emphasis on navies as a means to protect foreign trade and commerce for national prosperity.
- Indian Ocean’s vital role in global economy with 1,00,000 annual merchantmen, carrying 80% of the world’s oil.
- Indian Navy’s proactive role as a “preferred security partner” in maintaining good order at sea.
Key Challenges:
- Rising threat to Red Sea shipping by Houthi rebels affecting global trade.
- Historical instances of trade warfare impacting security and prosperity.
- Critical choke points in the Indian Ocean vulnerable to interdiction by states, pirates, and terrorists.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Choke points: Narrow passages in the Indian Ocean constricting shipping traffic.
- Tanker war: Strategy targeting merchant ships to impact trade, as seen in the Iran-Iraq conflict.
- Flag state: State in which a ship is registered, exercising exclusive jurisdiction over vessels.
Key Quotes:
- “The necessity of a navy… springs from the existence of peaceful shipping…”
- “The Indian Navy’s self-assigned role of ‘preferred security partner’ in the region.”
Anecdotes:
- Eight-year-long Iran-Iraq conflict saw a “tanker war” impacting merchant ships in the Persian Gulf.
- Houthi rebels launching attacks on US Navy units and merchant shipping in the Bab al Mandab Strait.
Key Statements:
- Indian Navy’s commendable alacrity in responding to emergent situations in the Red Sea.
- US launching operation “Prosperity Guardian” to safeguard Red Sea shipping.
Key Examples and References:
- Germany targeting Allied merchant shipping in 20th-century global conflicts.
- Houthi attacks in the Bab al Mandab Strait affecting merchant ships seeking safe passage.
Critical Analysis:
- Importance of maintaining good order at sea for India’s own interest and international commitment.
- Challenges posed by ongoing Yemeni civil war affecting shipping in the Red Sea.
- Complexity of the conflict involving Saudi Arabia-Iran proxy clash and multilateral dimensions.
Way Forward:
- India leveraging its good standing with Iran and Israel to urge moderation and restraint.
- Addressing the challenges posed by drone warfare and evolving effective counter-measures.
- Ensuring diplomatic efforts to prevent the west Asian conflagration from spreading to the Indian Ocean.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) Initiative
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IPMDA Initiative, QUAD
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, recently unveiled by the Quad grouping (India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.), underscores a shared commitment to uphold a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
What is IPMDA Initiative?
- IPMDA Initiative was announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, 2022.
- It primarily aims to track dark shipping.
- Dark ships are vessels with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) – a transponder system – switched off so as not to be detectable.
- It focuses on tracking other tactical-level activities: to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies.
Significance of IPMDA for India
- IPMDA represents a substantial effort to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of paramount global geopolitical significance.
- India’s Navy, currently possessing over 140 ships and submarines, is on course to achieve a formidable fleet of 170 to 180 vessels by 2028.
Lessons from Recent Events
- Recent global events, including the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, conflicts in Ukraine, and turmoil in West Asia, underscore the need for resilience and readiness in the face of uncertainties.
- Indian Navy recognizes the importance of integrated joint operations and a holistic approach to national defense, and a well-coordinated defense strategy involving all three Services.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Isthmus of Kra Land Bridge Project
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Isthmus of Kra
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Thailand, with its distinctive geography resembling a plume of smoke rising from the sea, is considering a bold and historic project – the creation of an Isthmus of Kra Land Bridge.
- This project aims to revolutionize global trade routes and significantly impact Thailand’s economy.
About the Isthmus of Kra
| Details | |
| Location | Southern Thailand, separating the Malay Peninsula |
| Width | Approximately 44 km |
| Geographic Features | Connects Andaman Sea (west) to South China Sea (east) |
| Strategic Importance | Historical trade route; potential shortcut for maritime trade |
The Land Bridge Project: A Historical Dream
- Centuries-Old Idea: The dream of connecting Thailand’s two coasts across the Isthmus of Kra dates back to King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1677.
- Early Efforts: British and French colonial interests led to surveys and studies in the 19th century to create a maritime channel through the isthmus.
- Modern Proposal: In 2021, Thailand introduced a new proposal, envisioning a land bridge instead of a canal.
Current Vision
- Reducing Shipping Distance: Thai PM envisions a 90-kmland bridge with road and rail networks, connecting deep-sea ports on both coasts.
- Strait of Malacca Alternative: This project could offer a shorter, safer, and cost-effective route, saving approximately 1,200 km and 2 to 3 days of travel compared to the congested Strait of Malacca.
- Economic Benefits: It aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce transport time, benefiting Thailand’s economy and its position in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
- Thailand’s proposal to create an Isthmus of Kra Land Bridge reflects its ambition to redefine global trade routes, boost its economy, and strengthen its role in Southeast Asia.
- While financial, geopolitical, and environmental challenges loom large, this project symbolizes Thailand’s determination to shape its future on the world stage.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Sri Lanka to take over as Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Sri Lanka is set to take over Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) succeeding Bangladesh.
- It will hold this prestigious position for the next two years.
About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
- Establishment: Founded in 1997, IORA serves as a regional forum aimed at fostering understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation through a consensus-based, non-intrusive approach.
- Membership: IORA comprises 23 member states, including Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen.
- Secretariat: The association’s Secretariat is based in Cyber City, Ebene, Mauritius, responsible for managing, coordinating, servicing, and monitoring policy decisions, work programs, and projects adopted by member states.
Significance of IORA
- IORA’s significance is underscored by the Indian Ocean’s pivotal role in global trade, handling half of the world’s container ships, one-third of bulk cargo traffic, and two-thirds of oil shipments.
- It forms the lifeline of international trade and transport, controlling major sea-lanes.
Agenda for Collaborative Action
The Council of Ministers will engage in discussions to foster collaboration across six priority areas highlighted by the IORA:
- Trade and Investment
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Fisheries Management
- Disaster Risk Management
- Blue Economy
- Strengthening Regional Ties
Strategic Significance for Sri Lanka
- Navigating Geopolitical Dynamics: Sri Lanka often finds itself managing complex strategic interests involving India and China within the Indian Ocean Region, positioning it as a crucial player in the IORA.
- Regional Inclusivity: Sri Lanka’s active participation in the forum aligns it with neighboring nations, fostering regional inclusivity and cooperation. This engagement extends to countries such as Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Tree Felling Estimates for GNI Project
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nicobar Islands
Mains level: GNI Project
Central Idea
- The ambitious ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, proposed by the Union government, is facing environmental scrutiny as the number of trees expected to be felled has been revised to 9.64 lakh, higher than the previously estimated 8.5 lakh
What is GNI Project?
- The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog.
- The project aims to develop the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal by constructing –
- Transhipment port
- Dual-use military-civil international airport
- Power plant and
- A township over a span of 30 years on more than 160 sq. km of land, of which 130 sq. km is primary forest
Features of the Project
- Transshipment hub of the East: The proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment.
- Naval control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.
- Urban amenities: Roads, public transport, water supply and waste management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater to tourists.
Significance of the Project
The GNI Project holds both economic and strategic significance:
- Economic Significance: It positions Great Nicobar as a transhipment hub in the East, strategically located along the East-West international shipping corridor. This can potentially boost revenue and make India a significant player in cargo transhipment.
- Strategic Significance: The development of Great Nicobar has been deemed crucial for national security and consolidating India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region. The project serves as an oceanic outpost and addresses concerns over increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.
Challenges and Concerns
- Biodiversity Threat: The project’s development, township construction, and influx of people may lead to habitat destruction and degradation, posing a threat to numerous species on the island.
- Indigenous Tribes Displacement: The project could displace two isolated and indigenous tribes, the Shompen and the Nicobaris, jeopardizing their way of life and cultural heritage.
- Deforestation Impact: Cutting down an estimated 9.64 lakh trees in prehistoric rainforests could significantly impact the island’s ecology and biodiversity.
- Inadequate Environmental Assessments: Concerns have been raised about the haste in obtaining clearances and the adequacy of environmental and social impact assessments.
- Fragile Topography: The region’s tectonic volatility and disaster vulnerability add to the challenges, particularly considering the 2004 Tsunami’s impact on tribal communities.
Major Concerns
- Tree Felling Estimate: Minister of State (Environment) Ashwini Kumar Choubey revealed that approximately 9.64 lakh trees may need to be cut down for the development in the Great Nicobar Project. However, there is a possibility that the actual number of trees felled could be lower.
- Environmental Consequences: The forest earmarked for development on the Great Nicobar Island is an evergreen tropical forest with high biological diversity, housing nearly 650 species of flora and 330 species of fauna.
- Compensatory Afforestation: To offset the tree felling, the government plans to carry out compensatory afforestation in Haryana. The state has agreed to provide an area of 261.5 square km for this purpose.
- Tribal concerns: The island administration did not grant forest land ownership to local tribespeople as required under the Forest Conservation Rules, 2017, raising concerns about consent and rights recognition.
- Inconsistencies with Stage-I Clearance: The approval process for the project faced delays, and claims over forest land under the FRA were not processed adequately.
Conclusion
- The Great Nicobar Project’s environmental concerns, including extensive tree felling, potential habitat destruction, and challenges related to tribal communities, call for a careful reconsideration of the project’s impact and approach.
- Striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation is crucial, emphasizing sustainable practices and preserving the island’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
China backing Russia, NATO looking East: Why Indo-Pacific is at centre of global order
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indo-pacific partnerships and evelopments
Mains level: Indo-pacific and NATO, significance and challenges
What’s the news?
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict has made NATO summits more significant than ever. The wide presence of four Asia-Pacific countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea has made this year’s summit more prominent especially for Indo- pacific
Central idea
- The recent NATO summit was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, marked a significant turning point for the alliance. The summit showcased NATO’s increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific region, signifying the importance of this area for Euro-Atlantic security.
What is Indo-Pacific?
- The Indo-Pacific is a geographic region interpreted differently by different countries.
- For India, the geography of the Indo-Pacific stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to Oceania whereas, for US, it extends up to the west coast of India which is also the geographic boundary of the US Indo-Pacific command.
NATO’s Historical Background and Pivot Towards Asia
- Founded in 1949, NATO emerged as a response to concerns over expanding Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.
- Originally cantered on trans-Atlantic security, the alliance has evolved to address pressing global security challenges.
- The recent summit’s agenda highlighted issues in the Indo-Pacific, such as North Korea’s nuclear activities, ballistic missile tests, and China’s military expansion and modernization.
Indo-Pacific Partnerships and Collaborations during the summit
- NATO and Japan:
- Individually Tailored Partnership Program between NATO and Japan was signed for the period of 2023-2026- focuses on cooperation in new technologies, space, and supply chain resilience.
- NATO and New Zealand:
- New Zealand was recognized as a valued partner by NATO during the summit.
- The alliance praised the collaboration with New Zealand in various areas, including cyber defense, counter-terrorism, arms control, and new technologies.
- NATO and South Korea:
- A significant agreement was reached between NATO and South Korea further strengthening their collaboration in emerging areas, particularly related to hybrid threats.
- NATO and Australia: Presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the NATO summit indicates a willingness to strengthen ties and foster cooperation in areas of common concern
Significance of the Indo-Pacific for NATO
- The Indo-Pacific is home to numerous security challenges that have implications beyond the region.
- These challenges include North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, China’s military expansion, territorial disputes, and non-traditional security threats such as cyber-attacks and terrorism.
- China’s growing economic, political, and military influence in the Indo-Pacific has global ramifications.
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its assertive actions in the South China Sea have raised concerns among NATO allies about potential disruptions to regional stability and international norms.
- The Indo-Pacific region is a major driver of the global economy, with many NATO member states heavily reliant on trade and economic ties with countries in the area.
- Ensuring the security of critical sea lanes and trade routes is essential for NATO’s economic interests and stability.
- Collaborating with Indo-Pacific countries can contribute to a rules-based international order and strengthen NATO’s global reach.
Concerns Over NATO’s Role in Indo-Pacific
- Ambiguity and uncertainty within the alliance regarding NATO’s official presence and role in the Indo-Pacific.
- French President Emmanuel Macron’s public opposition to the idea of opening a NATO liaison office in Tokyo highlighted these concerns.
- Establishing an official NATO presence in proximity to China could potentially unsettle the Chinese security establishment and may be perceived as a challenge to China’s regional interests.
- Unease among ASEAN and other South Asian countries with strategic interests in the area.
- Some ASEAN countries’ centrality in the Indo-Pacific being replaced by bloc politics led by NATO.
- It could stretch the alliance’s resources and capabilities- divert attention away from NATO’s core mission in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Interesting read: What is Thucydides’ Trap?
- Thucydides’ Trap is a term derived from the historical work “History of the Peloponnesian War” by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. Thucydides chronicled the conflict between the city-state of Athens and the rising power of Sparta in the 5th century BC, which eventually led to the Peloponnesian War.
- The central idea behind Thucydides’ Trap is that when a rising power challenges an established power, the competition between the two can lead to conflict or war.
- Thucydides famously wrote, “It was the rise of Athens and the fear that this instilled in Sparta that made war inevitable.” The rising power’s ascent and the fear it generates in the established power create a dangerous and unstable situation that may lead to a conflict as both sides jostle for power and influence.
- In the context of modern times, NATO’s involvement in the region could inadvertently contribute to the Thucydides’ Trap, where a rising power (China) and an established power (United States) risk conflict
- It serves as a warning to policymakers that managing the rise of a new power and avoiding a potential conflict requires careful diplomacy, strategic communication, and the establishment of mechanisms to peacefully resolve disputes
Conclusion
- The recent NATO summit in Vilnius showcased the alliance’s Look East moment, highlighting its increased focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Strengthening ties with Indo-Pacific partners is crucial amid the evolving global strategic landscape. However, NATO must navigate carefully and exercise caution while addressing the challenges of the 21st century and the changing dynamics of the international order.
Also read:
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Private: Quad’s Open RAN Security
Indian Ocean Power Competition
Private: Kaladan Project
Indian Ocean Power Competition
Strengthening Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) for India’s Maritime Security
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Andaman and Nicobar Command and framwework
Mains level: India's maritime security and the strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Central Idea
- China’s aggressive construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea highlights the strategic significance of India’s Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands. These islands provide India with a unique opportunity to project power, safeguard its interests, and exert influence in the region. However, there is an urgent need to reinforce the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and recognize its potential in the evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape.
All you need to about Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)
- The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is a unified military command of the Indian Armed Forces. It brings together the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, the Army, Navy, and Air Force along with the Coast Guard, under the command of a designated Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar (CINCAN).
- It was established on October 1, 2001, and is responsible for the defense and security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are strategically located in the Bay of Bengal.
- The ANC plays a significant role in regional security in the Indo-Pacific and contributes to joint military exercises and collaborations with partner countries.
- It serves as a model for jointness and integration in India’s military structure, promoting coordination, interoperability, and efficiency in operations.
China’s rapid construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea and concerns for India
- Security Threat: China’s militarization of these islands, including the deployment of military infrastructure and guided-missile batteries, poses a direct security threat to India. It enables China to extend its defensive perimeter and project power in the region, potentially affecting India’s strategic interests.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: China’s island-building campaign allows it to enhance its maritime domain awareness by monitoring and controlling the sea routes in the South China Sea. This could potentially impact India’s freedom of navigation and its ability to operate in the region.
- Regional Power Projection: China’s presence in the South China Sea, coupled with its growing military capabilities, challenges the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. This has implications for India’s security calculus, as it seeks to maintain a favorable regional environment and protect its interests.
- Geopolitical Influence: China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea have regional and global geopolitical implications. It allows China to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific, potentially impacting India’s relationships with other countries in the region.
- Disputed Territory: China’s island-building activities in the South China Sea involve disputed territorial claims with other countries in the region, including India’s close partner, Vietnam. These disputes raise the risk of potential conflicts and heighten regional tensions
Facts for prelims: Geography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
| Aspect | Information |
| Location | Located between 6° and 14° North Latitude and 92° and 94° East Longitude, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a union territory in India. |
| Two groups of Islands | The islands north of 10° north latitude are known as Andaman, while the islands south of 10° north latitude are called Nicobar. |
| The Andamans | The Andamans consist of more than 300 islands, with North, Middle, and South Andaman, collectively known as Great Andaman, being the main islands. |
| The 10-degree channel | The 10-degree channel, approximately 145 km long, separates Little Andaman in the south from the Nicobar Islands. |
| The Nicobars | The Nicobars consist of 19 islands, including Car Nicobar in the north and Great Nicobar in the south. The northwestern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, is located about 90 miles southwest of Great Nicobar. |
| Formation | Both the Andaman and Nicobar groups are formed by above-sea extensions of submarine ridges of mountains and are part of a great island arc. The highest peaks include Saddle Peak on North Andaman, Mount Thullier on Great Nicobar, and Mount Harriet on South Andaman. |
| Andaman Terrain | The terrain of the Andamans is rough, with hills and narrow longitudinal valleys, formed of sandstone, limestone, and shale of Cenozoic age. Flat land is limited to a few valleys. |
| Nicobar Terrain | The terrain of the Nicobar islands is diverse, ranging from flat coral-covered surfaces with offshore coral formations on islands like Car Nicobar to hilly regions with fast-flowing streams on islands like Great Nicobar. |
| Fresh Water | Great Nicobar is the only island in the territory with a significant amount of fresh surface water. |
| Climate | The climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is tropical but moderated by the sea. |
The Importance of Strengthening ANC
- Comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness: The ANC must have enhanced capabilities to monitor and defend India’s territorial waters, airspace, and exclusive economic zone. It should focus on advanced surveillance systems and establish an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the islands.
- Defense against Military Intrusions: The ANC needs increased force levels and firepower to deter potential military incursions and protect the archipelago from hostile elements.
- Tracking and Interdicting Hostile Forces: Strengthening the ANC’s capabilities to track and neutralize hostile ships and submarines is essential for maintaining maritime security.
- Rapid Reaction Force: The command should be equipped to deploy a rapid reaction force promptly through airlift or sealift, ensuring swift response to emerging threats
Quad and Malabar exercises to balance China’s growing influence in the region
- Quad Coordination: The Quad, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, should take decisive steps to counter China’s aggression. Establishing a Quad secretariat in Port Blair could serve as a hub for naval coordination and cooperation.
- Multinational Operations: The Quad navies, with their growing interoperability, should expand their joint operations beyond exercises. Engaging in non-traditional activities such as disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security operations would reinforce regional stability and dissuade potential hegemons.
Conclusion
- To maximize the strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and ensure a robust presence in the Bay of Bengal, it is imperative to strengthen and retain the ANC as an independent joint command. By bolstering its capabilities and leveraging partnerships like the Quad, India can secure its maritime interests and actively contribute to a stable Indo-Pacific region. The ANC has the potential to be a vital asset in the ongoing Indo-Pacific “Great Game.
Must read:
| India’s compulsion to develop The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) |
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Private: 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
Indian Ocean Power Competition
India’s Balancing Act: Navigating Global Challenges and Multilateral Engagements
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's position in the multilateral sphere
Mains level: India's multilateral engagement, role in rule based global order and challenges
Central idea
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming week-long journey to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia signifies India’s active participation in global affairs. As he engages with G-7 leaders in Hiroshima, Japan, and travels to other countries, bilateral issues will take a back seat to India’s position in the multilateral sphere. With an increasingly polarized world and mounting challenges such as the Russian war in Ukraine and China’s geopolitical influence, India must strike a careful balance.
India’s engagement with Quad and the Indo-Pacific Coalition
- Security Cooperation: The Quad countries, including India, collaborate on security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and enhancing maritime domain awareness to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Maritime Security: As maritime nations, the Quad members aim to promote maritime security, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law, particularly in the contested waters of the Indo-Pacific. They work towards preventing conflicts, promoting stability, and addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, piracy, and maritime territorial disputes.
- Connectivity Initiatives: The Quad focuses on promoting transparent, sustainable, and quality infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes collaborative efforts to enhance connectivity, digitalization, and economic integration, fostering economic growth and regional prosperity.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Recognizing the importance of secure and resilient supply chains, the Quad aims to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on a single country or region. This includes exploring opportunities for cooperation in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The Quad members collaborate in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during crises and natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation ensures a coordinated response, timely assistance, and efficient resource mobilization.
- Vaccine Diplomacy: In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Quad countries, including India, have collaborated on vaccine distribution and production. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to vaccines in the region, demonstrating solidarity and cooperation in addressing public health challenges.
- Economic and Trade Cooperation: The Quad members explore opportunities for enhancing economic and trade ties. They seek to promote a free, open, and rules-based trading system, address trade barriers, and facilitate economic growth and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
- Regional Stability and Rules-Based Order: The Quad and Indo-Pacific Coalition share a common goal of promoting regional stability and upholding a rules-based international order. This includes respect for sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to international law.
India’s position in the multilateral sphere
- Global Leadership: As the world’s largest democracy and a rising global power, India’s voice carries weight in multilateral forums. It provides leadership and represents the interests of developing countries, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and climate change.
- Regional Integration: India actively promotes regional integration and cooperation, both within South Asia and in the broader Indo-Pacific region. It seeks to enhance connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to regional stability, economic growth, and collective security.
- South-South Cooperation: India actively engages in South-South Cooperation, which involves collaboration among developing countries to address common challenges and promote economic growth. India shares its expertise in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, technology, and capacity-building, supporting the development efforts of other nations.
- Global Development Initiatives: India is actively involved in global development initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. It contributes to discussions on poverty eradication, education, healthcare, gender equality, and sustainable development, aiming to foster inclusive growth and reduce global disparities.
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation: India has positioned itself as a responsible nuclear power and advocates for global nuclear disarmament. It actively participates in discussions on nuclear non-proliferation, safeguards, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while also asserting its right to pursue civilian nuclear energy for development purposes.
- Global Health Initiatives: India plays a vital role in global health initiatives, particularly in the context of access to affordable medicines and vaccines. It actively engages in discussions related to public health, pharmaceutical regulations, and the provision of healthcare to underserved populations, demonstrating its commitment to global health equity.
- Peacekeeping Operations: India is one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, showcasing its commitment to international peace and security. Indian peacekeepers have been deployed to various conflict zones, helping maintain stability and providing humanitarian assistance in challenging environments.
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): India has been a prominent member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of nations that seek to maintain their independence and avoid alignment with any major power bloc. India’s participation in NAM showcases its commitment to an independent foreign policy and its role as a bridge between different ideological groupings.
key aspects of India’s skillful balancing act
- Strategic Autonomy: India maintains strategic autonomy by pursuing an independent foreign policy that prioritizes its national interests. It engages with multiple countries and groups, avoiding over-reliance on any single power bloc or alliance.
- Non-Alignment and Multi-Alignment: While India was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, it has adopted a multi-aligned approach in recent years. India engages with a diverse range of partners, including major powers, regional groupings, and developing countries, forging partnerships based on mutual interests and shared values.
- Diversifying Partnerships: India seeks to diversify its partnerships across regions and countries. It engages with both Western and non-Western nations, fostering relationships with the United States, European Union, ASEAN, African Union, Gulf countries, and others. This diversity helps India maintain a balanced approach and access multiple avenues for collaboration.
- Regional Engagements: India actively participates in regional initiatives and organizations to promote stability and cooperation. It engages in platforms such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, and ASEAN-led mechanisms, fostering regional integration, connectivity, and addressing common challenges.
- Balancing Major Powers: India skillfully navigates its relationships with major powers like the United States, Russia, China, and others. It seeks to maximize its benefits while safeguarding its national interests and maintaining strategic autonomy. This approach allows India to leverage opportunities and manage any potential risks associated with these relationships.
- Counterterrorism Cooperation: India collaborates with various countries and international organizations in the fight against terrorism. It shares intelligence, strengthens border security, and promotes cooperation to combat terrorist networks and extremist ideologies.
- Economic Diplomacy: India actively engages in economic diplomacy, expanding trade and investment ties with different countries and regions. It participates in regional and global economic forums, negotiates trade agreements, and fosters economic cooperation, contributing to its growth and development objectives.
- Global Governance Reforms: India advocates for reforms in global governance institutions to reflect contemporary realities. It seeks a more inclusive and representative international order, including reforms in the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions.
Challenges and Potential Disruptions India’s skillful balancing act
- Regional Conflicts: Ongoing regional conflicts, such as the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir, pose a challenge to India’s balancing act. Escalations or incidents along the border can strain relationships with neighboring countries and divert attention from broader multilateral engagements.
- Geopolitical Rivalries: The intensifying geopolitical rivalries, particularly between major powers like the United States, China, and Russia, can complicate India’s balancing efforts. India needs to navigate these rivalries carefully to avoid being drawn into conflicts or aligning too closely with any particular power.
- Border Security Concerns: India shares borders with countries like China and Pakistan, which have witnessed periodic tensions and border disputes. Any escalation or security threats along these borders can disrupt India’s diplomatic engagements and require a reevaluation of its strategic priorities.
- Terrorism and Security Challenges: India faces persistent terrorism threats, both domestically and regionally. Terrorist attacks or security challenges can divert resources and attention, affecting India’s capacity to fully engage in multilateral forums and initiatives.
- Economic Vulnerabilities: India’s economic vulnerabilities, including issues such as trade imbalances, supply chain disruptions, and global economic downturns, can impact its ability to maintain a balanced foreign policy. Economic challenges may require India to reassess its priorities and engagements with various countries.
- Domestic Political Considerations: Domestic political developments and public opinion can shape India’s foreign policy decisions. Changes in government, electoral cycles, or shifts in public sentiment can influence the direction and priorities of India’s diplomatic engagements.
- International Norms and Pressure: India may face pressure to align with certain international norms or positions, particularly on issues such as human rights, climate change, or nonproliferation. Striking a balance between international expectations and its own national interests can be a challenge
- Unforeseen Events: Unforeseen events, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or sudden geopolitical shifts, can disrupt India’s diplomatic engagements and require immediate attention and resources.
Conclusion
- India’s proactive engagement, pursuit of strategic partnerships, and commitment to a rules-based international order position it as a respected global actor. Its diplomatic endeavors in multilateral forums, regional initiatives, and global governance reform contribute to shaping the global discourse and addressing pressing global challenges.
Also read:
| India’s G20 Presidency and Disaster Risk Management |
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023
- The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
- It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.
Theme:
- The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Participants:
- The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
- Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
- Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
- Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.
Organizers:
- The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
- The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
- It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Australia’s AUKUS Dilemma: Options and Challenges
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: AUKUS, significance and challenges
Central Idea
- The AUKUS security partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom has important implications for Australia’s plans to operate a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, with potential drawbacks.
What is AUKUS?
- Trilateral Partnership: AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, announced on September 15, 2021. The partnership involves cooperation in various areas, including defence and security, technology, and climate change.
- Indo-Pacific region a primary focus: The AUKUS partnership is primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific region and aims to counter China’s growing influence in the region. As part of the partnership, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom, which is seen as a significant shift in Australia’s defence posture.
- Promote Peace and stability: The three countries have emphasized that the partnership is not aimed at any specific country and is intended to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s AUKUS Dilemma
- AUKUS Pathway Impact: Announcement about optimal pathway for AUKUS has implications for Australia’s plans to operate a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines
- Opposition from Regional Partners: Regional partners oppose Royal Australian Navy operating nuclear attack submarines, posing a challenge for Australia’s deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries
What are the Options for Australia’s Nuclear Submarines?
- Following AUKUS consultations, three main options have emerged,
- US builds nuclear-powered attack submarines for Australia
- UK expands Astute-class program to Australia
- Trilateral effort to develop a new nuclear submarine design
What are the Challenges and Complexities for Australia’s Nuclear Submarines
- US uncertain on Australis’s nuclear subs: US Policymakers are sceptical about building nuclear-powered attack submarines for Australia due to national security concerns
- UK’s Dreadnought hinders Australia’s submarine expansion: UK’s construction of Dreadnought-class ballistic-missile submarine program and differences between Australian and American fleets pose a challenge for expanding Astute-class program to Australia
- Nuclear design challenges: Trilateral effort to develop a new nuclear submarine design faces challenges related to U.S. export controls and technology transfer agreement
- Nuclear tech complex and risky globally: The nuclear technology is complicated under the international system and poses potential proliferation risks.
The AUKUS Partnership: Implications for India
- Increased security cooperation: The partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is likely to lead to increased security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This could help to balance out China’s growing military and economic power in the region and could create opportunities for India to work more closely with these countries on shared security concerns.
- Potential for technological collaboration: AUKUS includes cooperation in technology and could lead to opportunities for India to collaborate with the three countries in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. This could help to bolster India’s technological capabilities and could lead to new opportunities for trade and investment.
- Impact on regional dynamics: The announcement of AUKUS could have a significant impact on regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in terms of how other countries in the region respond. India will need to carefully navigate these dynamics and ensure that its own interests are protected.
Conclusion
- The AUKUS security partnership has significant implications for Australia’s defence capabilities and strategic positioning in maritime Asia. However, it poses significant challenges and risks. Even with its closest allies, the U.S. faces difficulties transferring technology, highlighting the challenges for India and other countries in acquiring critical technology from the U.S. The AUKUS developments may have broader implications for regional security and nuclear technology.
Mains Question
Q. Evaluate the broader implications of the AUKUS developments for regional security and nuclear technology.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Analyzing Multilateralism in Light of BIMSTEC
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BIMSTEC
Mains level: Read the attached story
Context
- While the efficacy of multilateral cooperation is often questioned amidst the compelling the politics of force and global power politics, the world simply does not yet have any other alternative to structured cooperation. Much like the progress and relevance of multilateral cooperation, the fate of BIMSTEC too needs to contextualized in a world order that demands action and resolve.
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What is BIMSTEC?
- The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation: (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, housing 1.73 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US$4.4 trillion (2022).
- Members: The BIMSTEC member states Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are among the countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
Present status of BIMSTEC
- Poor connectivity and resources: On the one hand, the geographical limits of BIMSTEC suffer from poor intra-regional connectivity which is fundamental to enhancing economic engagement; on the other, the grouping itself is beleaguered by the lack of an institutional structure, operational blueprint, and financial resources.
- New found interest: The BIMSTEC has indeed shown intent in recent years with member nations taking the first steps since the organisation’s inception towards according the latter agency, mobility, and funds.
- Most recent activities: These include the adoption of a charter that accords the grouping a legal status; a reduction in the number of priority areas from 14 to seven pillars thereby allowing for more focused engagement, the signing of memorandums on technology transfer, diplomatic training and a master plan on connectivity all of which are of import to the grouping’s future as aspirational countries in a region that has already become the gravitational centre of global geopolitics.
- Outcome of economic and political stability: The ‘renewed interest’ after remaining dormant for over two decades is attributed to the economic and political stability and growth that member states (barring Myanmar) have witnessed together with the world’s interest being directed towards the opportunities and Indo-Pacific and an increasingly hostile China.
- BIMSTEC has lot of ground to cover: As a regional organisation, the BIMSTEC is, on paper, well-positioned to gear shared efforts towards the harnessing of economic, natural, and labour potential of member nations.
Understanding the Multilateral cooperation/Multilateralism
- Hybrid rather than binary affairs: An assessment of multilateralism has to move away from binary understandings of world architectures. They are in essence, hybrid affairs, combining universal aspirations such as human rights with a more prosaic system of managed competition. This format is here to stay.
- Achieving common objectives through collective strengths: Multilateral organisations help as facilitators of regional objectives by pooling the strengths of members for advancement, as lobbying entities for regional aspirations and demands on the global stage functions which form the core purpose of these groupings. But multilateralism also suffers from its own set of drawbacks.
- Political disagreements: Perhaps the biggest limitations of multilateral engagement are ineffectiveness and becoming unwieldy as they comprise several member countries in terms of certain types of decision-making, particularly, those which are political.
- This is particularly true of large regional or global organisations, with ASEAN being the exception that proves the rule.
- Mini-laterals: To mitigate this challenge, smaller and more focused undertakings began in recent years in the form of mini-lateral engagement to enable smaller, and more ‘like-minded’ nations to band together for function-based cooperation.
- BBIN as an example: In the South Asian region, an example of mini-lateral engagement is the BBIN sub-regional framework which has, however, because of the operational complexities, continued to struggle.
What should be the way forward?
- Addressing the illegal migration: Multilateral forums also allow for united articulations of challenges unique to particular regions. Among the BIMSTEC’s common challenges are irregular migration, environmental degradation, transnational crimes, terrorism and insurgencies and drug trafficking, the efforts towards the mitigation of many of which, particularly the issue of migration and climate action, need the involvement of the world’s major powers.
- Support through G20 presidency: India’s G20 presidency in 2023 offers a unique opportunity to leverage New Delhi’s enhanced position in global politics to usher support for BIMSTEC’s necessities and objectives.
- Intent is stronger than hurdles: The success of groupings be it large or small rests on intent shown by members regardless of operational, financial, political or institutional constraints.
- Finance, institutions and structure: A grouping that comprised members from what is frequently referred to as the least integrated region in the world, without sufficient financing, and devoid of institutional structures to guide its operations, there has been much to be concerned about regarding BIMSTEC. And yet, because the grouping has demonstrated intent, so far, BIMSTEC’s promise holds more sway than its impediments.
Conclusion
- BIMSTEC have suffered from lack of funding, dedicated institution and proper structuring of the grouping. Hopefully new mini-laterals (BBIN) will revive the BIMSTEC in much objective stronger and successful way. India should take the lead in revival of this multilateral forum.
Mains Question
Q. Analyze the present status of BIMSTEC. What are the weaknesses of BIMSTEC and suggest way forward?
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in IOR
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SIDS, IOR, SLOC etc
Mains level: SIDS, its importance, challenges and Way ahead, India role .
Context
- The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) serves as a connecting hub for global energy and commodity trade and comprises important Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) and major choke points. The IOR has become central to the geostrategic aspirations of large powers with vested interests in the region. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) located in the Western Indian Ocean such as Maldives, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles, are being dragged into the great power rivalry as a result.
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Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 38 UN Member States and 20 Non-UN Members/Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
- The three geographical regions in which SIDS are located are: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS)
- SIDS were recognized as a special case both for their environment and development at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Significance of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of IOR
- SIDS are strategically important: The geographical location of SIDS islands is of strategic importance, ever since the Indo-Pacific architecture materialised.
- Provides easy access and a base for replenishment: The islands provide easy access to the choke points, are located close to important SLOCs, and can serve as a base for the replenishment of resources for maritime powers conducting surveillance in the region.
- Engagements boosts maritime expanse: The bigger powers have been engaging with the islands on a larger scale to boost their presence in this maritime expanse.
Challenges faced by SIDS
- Multiple challenges: The SIDS, by nature, face multiple challenges due to their remote locations, size, fragile ecosystems, small population, and limited resources and capabilities. Most of the SIDS are classified as middle-income states, but SIDS like Comoros are among the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
- Economies are not diversified: The economies of these states are not diversified and are highly dependent on a few sectors like tourism and fisheries.
- Climate change and losses due to natural disasters: Climate change exacerbates their challenges, adding an extra burden on their frail economies. The SIDS account for two-thirds of states that suffer the highest relative losses (1 percent to 9 percent of GDP per year) due to natural disasters.
- Rising sea levels and impact on various economic sectors: Apart from the threat of the low-lying islands going underwater in the future, rising sea levels directly impact the economic sectors of the SIDS. For instance, saltwater intrusion affects freshwater resources and diminishes the quality of agricultural land.
- Largely dependent on food imports: The SIDS are already largely dependent on food imports as 50 percent of the SIDS import more than 80 percent of their food. A further reduction in food production will increase their dependence on food imports. Self-sufficiency is a distant dream for SIDS in this aspect.
- Fishery industry a major contributor of economy facing challenges of loss of EEZ: Fish exports account for a large share of the revenue for these states. The fishery industry faces challenges of loss of Exclusive Economic Zones due to shifting baselines, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Rising sea temperature: Additionally, rising sea temperatures also negatively affect marine biomass in the resource-rich zones of SIDS.
- Tourism industry hampered by Pandemic: Almost 50 percent of the GDP of SIDS like the Maldives and Seychelles, depends on the tourism industry which was hampered by the pandemic. T
Powerplay and China’s maritime development strategy in SIDS of IOR
- Concerns about increasing influence China: Powers such as the US, Japan, Australia, and India are largely concerned with the increasing influence of China in the region.
- China’s island development strategy: Islands play a major role in China’s maritime security policy, as is evident by its island development strategies in the contested South China Sea and cooperation initiatives with island states in various geographies.
- Vulnerable SIDS welcomed Support initiatives from China: The SIDS have welcomed the development and support initiatives from China owing to their vulnerabilities. From a port development project in Madagascar and major infrastructure development projects in the Comoros islands to a Free Trade Agreement with Mauritius and development assistance to Maldives; China has firmly embedded its roots in the region.
- Maldives in debt trap seeks India’s assistance: When Maldives owed a debt of nearly US$1.5 billion to China in 2018, it had to turn to its traditional partner, India, for assistance to prevent an economic crisis.
- Madagascar worries about Chinese debt trap: Madagascar is also heavily surrounded by Chinese presence and involvement in its economy and is worried about being trapped in debt. Chinese-funded enterprises comprise 90 percent of the island’s economy. Chinese migrants left very few job opportunities for the locals, disrupted trade and commerce, and established a monopoly of Chinese products in the market. Such a heavy involvement of China in Madagascar puts it at a high risk of instability and political upheaval. This is a clear example of how the strategic interests of large powers can bring the SIDS to the brink of collapse.
Opportunity to discuss and maintain stability through various forums
- SAMOA pathway: SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway which is an international framework under the UN umbrella that has initiated a stronger action from the international community to support the vulnerable islands. It guides national, regional, and international development efforts to help these states achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Alliance of small Island states: Similarly, the Alliance of Small Island States is a representative body of 39 small island states that provides a platform to voice their grievances.
- Indian ocean commission: The Indian Ocean Commission is yet another intergovernmental body that consists of the islands; Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Réunion (French overseas region).
What SIDS must do?
- The SIDS of IOR must strengthen their collaboration with each other.
- They must make a collective effort to make their challenges and issues known to the other actors.
- The SIDS should make use of the opportunity to ensure that the larger powers understand their security interests and include it in the larger security architecture
Way ahead
- In most cases, decisions regarding security in the region have been taken by the influential, and larger powers without the SIDS.
- The SIDS of the IOR can leverage their strategic position and use it to their advantage to make the larger powers acknowledge their security interests and issues.
- The need of the hour is for stronger alliances and regional groupings to emerge, with significant participation of the SIDS, so that other actors do not downplay or overlook their issues and interests.
Conclusion
- The SIDS have been advocating at various international forums for support and assistance to combat their challenges associated with resources, development, climate change, and most of all, survival. Rather than being viewed as pawns in the geopolitical competition, the SIDS must be viewed as important stakeholders in the region. This is the main change in the mindset, policies and approaches that are needed for secure and stable region.
Mains Question
Q. What is SIDS (Small Island Developing States). What is the significance of SIDS in IOR? Discuss the challenges faced by SIDS in the region and suggest a way ahead.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
North East as Gateway to Indo-Pacific Strategy
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Indo-Pacific and importance of North east
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Context
- India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policies have moved into the phase of Indo-Pacific policy and strategy. But what we in the national capital interpret as the ‘Indo-Pacific’ is different from the perceptions of this policy in North-eastern and eastern India.
What is Indo-pacific?
- The Indo-Pacific is geographic region interpreted differently by different countries.
- For India, the geography of the Indo-Pacific stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to Oceania whereas, for US, it extends up to the west coast of India which is also the geographic boundary of the US Indo-Pacific command.
Importance of North-East
- Security of India: The Northeast which comprises seven ‘sisters’ or States and one ‘brother’, Sikkim, has been witnessing transformation as it heads towards better security conditions and development
- Geography and Biodiversity: North-eastern Indian States are blessed with a wide range of physiographic and ecoclimatic conditions and the geographical ‘gateway’ for much of India’s endemic flora and fauna.
- Siliguri corridor only connecting link: North-East is home to 3.8% of the national population and occupies about 8% of India’s total geographical area. Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, popularly known as “chicken’s neck” connects this region to the rest of mainland India.
Present condition of north east
- Improved security: Security conditions have improved significantly since 2017. However, the core issues behind the insurgency have remained unresolved.
- Serious non-traditional threats: A notable contrast in security assessments of the authorities and others came to the fore. The official perspective was that the pernicious phenomena of smuggling, drug trafficking, transnational border crime, insurgent activity, and the influx of refugees (from Myanmar) represented serious non-traditional threats.
- Chinese hand in nefarious activities: China was viewed as a ‘constant player’ behind these nefarious activities. This has necessitated vigilance and strict action by the Assam Rifles and other security agencies.
- Sensitive border management: The insensitive handling of those engaged in lawful exchanges with the neighbouring countries. A balanced view indicates that considerable scope exists for more effective and people-sensitive border management in the future.
Development as priority in North East
- Rising road infrastructure: The Northeast is on the right path to concentrate on economic development. More is awaited through improvement in roads linking north-eastern towns and job creation for thousands of graduates produced by local universities.
- Hub of medical tourism: Manipur needs to be promoted as the hub of medical tourism for other Indian States and neighbours such as Myanmar.
- Investment needs to increase: The State’s research and development facilities to leverage the region’s biodiversity should be expanded. Accelerated development requires increased investment by Indian corporates and foreign investors as well as better management.
- Blueprint for economic development: Strategic and business community to contribute to crafting a concrete blueprint for leveraging opportunities relating to commerce, connectivity, and human capital development.
Cultural diplomacy from North east
- Showcasing the culture of north east: An ambitious endeavour by 75 artists from nine countries highlighted the region’s ‘unity in diversity’ through music, dance, drama, and cuisine.
- Education, tourism and trade: Clearly, expanding the reach of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people cooperation through greater educational exchanges, tourism, and trade is desirable.
- Regional cooperation through cultural exchange: Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary, aptly stressed that the “shared culture, history and mutual social threads that tie the region with India also an important component towards fostering regional cooperation”.
Cultural dimension to Indo-Pacific
- Geo-cultural dimension: At Kolkata, intellectuals and performers in the cultural domain from India, the U.S., Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh reflected on the Indo-Pacific construct’s cultural dimensions. Moving beyond geopolitics and geo-economics, neighbors should focus on “the geo-cultural dimension” of the Indo-Pacific.
- Expanding people to people cooperation: Diplomats from the region agree on the importance of expanded people-related cooperation which would lead to wider acceptance of the Indo-Pacific and consolidation of the Quad.
Conclusion
- While implementing India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, voices from Northeast and eastern India must be heard. Thus, beyond ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ lies ‘Think and Relate East’, especially within our own country.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
India’s compulsion to develop The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
Mains level: Necessity of developing Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) and issues associated with it.
Context
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) are in the news as the union government proposing a slew of infrastructure projects to boost business and tourism on the islands, conservation groups are on the warpath.
The significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- Oceanic outpost: The ANI is an oceanic outpost for continental India.
- Facilitates unique surveillance: With a critical vantage location overlooking the ten-degree and six-degree channels (through which a vast majority of cargo and container traffic in the eastern Indian Ocean transits), the islands give India a unique surveillance and maritime interdiction capability.
- Strategically important: The ANI is a vital ‘staging post’ for maritime operations, and a hub for logistics, providing operational turnaround for Indian warships and aircraft deployed in the Andaman Sea.
One go Memory shot: Geography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- Location: Located between 6° and 14° North Latitude and 92° and 94° East Longitude lie the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory in India.
- Two groups of Island: It consists of two groups of islands. The islands located north of 10° north latitude are known as Andaman while islands located south of 10° north latitude are called Nicobar.
- The Andamans: More than 300 islands make up the Andamans. North, Middle, and South Andaman, known collectively as Great Andaman, are the main islands;
- The 10- degree channel: The 10-degree channel which is about 145 km long separates Little Andaman in the south from the Nicobar Islands.
- The Nicobars: The Nicobars consists of 19 islands. Among the most prominent is Car Nicobar in the north; and Great Nicobar in the south. About 90 miles to the southwest of Great Nicobar lies the northwestern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
- Formation: Both the Andaman and Nicobar groups are formed by the above-sea extensions of submarine ridges of mountains and are a part of a great island arc. The highest peak is 2,418 feet at Saddle Peak on North Andaman, followed by Mount Thullier at 2,106 feet on Great Nicobar and Mount Harriet at 1,197 feet on South Andaman. Barren island, the only known active Volcano in south Asia lies in the Andaman Sea. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there were volcanic eruptions on Barren Island.
- Andaman Terrain: Formed of sandstone, limestone, and shale of Cenozoic age, the terrain of the Andamans is rough, with hills and narrow longitudinal valleys. Flat land is scarce and is confined to a few valleys.
- Nicobar Terrain: The terrain of the Nicobar is more diverse than that of the Andamans. Some of the Nicobar Islands, such as Car Nicobar, have flat coral-covered surfaces with offshore coral formations that prevent most ships from anchoring. Other islands, such as Great Nicobar, are hilly and contain numerous fast-flowing streams.
- Great Nicobar is the only island in the territory with a significant amount of fresh surface water.
Climate: The climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is tropical but is moderated by sea.
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Past objections on India developing Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- Perspective of India’s diplomatic community:
- When India first began developing the ANI in the 1980s, the defence and foreign policy establishments were not entirely in agreement.
- India’s diplomatic community opposed the militarization plan, arguing that turning the islands into a strategic-military garrison would weaponize the littorals, an outcome unlikely to sit well with India’s maritime neighbors.
- Neighbor’s apprehensions: Indonesia and Malaysia were apprehensive that India would use its military facilities on the Andamans to dominate its region, and project power east of Malacca.
Today’s perspective India developing Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- More empathy towards India: Today arguably, there is more empathy for Indian compulsions to develop the ANI. It is clear that developing the islands is a necessity for India that could not be overlooked.
- India’s compulsion: With China expanding its footprint in India’s backyard, regional states realise New Delhi has little option but to consolidate strategically on the islands.
- Securing maritime borders: In the aftermath of the June 2020 standoff with China in Ladakh, the Indian military has been under growing pressure to forestall Chinese adventurism in the Indian Ocean.
- Higher stakes for India in eastern Indian Ocean: With China moving to expand its presence in India’s neighbourhood, including at Maldives (Feydhoo Finolhu), Pakistan (Gwadar), Sri Lanka (Hambantota), and Bangladesh (at Cox Bazaar where China is said to be constructing a submarine base), the stakes for India in the eastern Indian Ocean have never been higher.
- Intentions are good: Asia’s leaders knew that India’s intentions are good because it is willing to keep its security presence on the strategic islands to a minimum.
Rational behind developing Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- To counter China’s belt and road Initiative: New Delhi also needs to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The manner of China’s development of infrastructure projects in the Bay of Bengal suggests that it seeks both economic leverage and strategic prowess in South Asia.
- Countering China Dual use facilities: By some accounts, China is looking for military access to Chinese-built facilities in the Bay of Bengal. Beijing, reportedly, is on a drive to create ‘dual-use’ facilities that have both commercial and military applications.
What could be the way to counter China in the region
- By expanding military Presence in BOB: One way for India to counter China’s forays in the Bay of Bengal would be to expand Indian military presence in the littorals. The process is already underway
- By turning islands into logistic support facilities for navies: The other way for India to counter China is to develop its island territories in the eastern Indian Ocean and offer military facilities therein for logistics support to navies from friendly Quad countries.
Delicate ecology of the island cannot be ignored
- Environmentalists contend that construction activity on ecologically sensitive islands could lead to a large-scale loss of biodiversity, which could hurt local communities and the islands’ indigenous people.
- New Delhi cannot afford to ignore the ecological implications of infrastructure development on the islands, in particular, the proposal for a container terminal at Campbell Bay on the Great Nicobar Island.
- The project entails the mass culling of forests and could take a toll on the region’s delicate ecological balance.
- New hotels, resorts, and a trans-shipment port could upend decades of conservation efforts.
Conclusion
- The need of the hour is to balance competing requirements: enable development on the islands, while avoiding large-scale environmental damage. As ‘high-wire’ acts go, this is going to be a hard walk for Indian decision-makers.
Mains question
Q. China is moving towards increasing its presence in India’s neighborhood and is challenging India in many ways. Analyze India’s compulsion to develop the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI).
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework presents opportunities
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IPEF countries
Mains level: Paper 2- IPEF opportunities and challenges
Context
The official launch of the Biden Administration’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), the US’s de facto foreign economic policy for Asia, has been lauded and welcomed.
About IPEF
- Seen as a means to counter China in the region, it is a U.S.-led framework for participating countries to solidify their relationships and engage in crucial economic and trade matters in the region.
- The member nations include Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
- It includes seven out of 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), all four Quad countries, and New Zealand.
- Together, these countries account for 40 per cent of the global GDP.
- Not a free trade agreement: The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is not a free trade agreement.
- No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined, although experts say it can pave the way for future trade deals.
- The IPEF is also seen as a means by which the US is trying to regain credibility in the region after former President Donald Trump pulled out of the Trans Pacific Partnership TPP.
- IPEF countries value its purpose and potential, particularly given some doubts over whether the US administration could sustain its focus in Asia as war broke out in Europe.
- The IPEF empowers the Biden administration to shape rules across several critical pillars that will condition America’s economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific amid competing economic paradigms, notably the Chinese through the BRI and Europe through digital policies and standards.
- Countering China: Besides Ukraine, the IPEF’s importance also owes to China’s patent economic footprint across Asia that could be checked by an alternative economic paradigm that emphasises openness, flexibility, and integration.
Significance of IPEF
- Boost supply chain resilience: Globally, the IPEF signifies the first multilateral attempt to boost supply chain resilience to ease global inflationary pressures and mitigate effects of future disruptions, particularly key raw materials, critical minerals, and semiconductors.
- Four key pillars: It’s a framework or a starting point to regulate trade and commerce across four key pillars: Digital economy, supply chains, clean energy, and governance.
- Negotiating high standard rules: The IPEF also represents an effort to negotiate “high-standard” rules between like-minded countries to govern the digital economy, particularly data flows, climate mitigation, global tax, anti-money laundering and anti-bribery provisions.
Challenges
- Impact on domestic companies: IPEF commitments and standards that other signatories like India have to accede to, will likely facilitate US MNCs’ access to Asian economies at the expense of domestic preferences.
- Impact on policy preference of countries: The IPEF’s pillars — climate, digital, supply chains, and governance reforms — could clash with and supersede these countries’ policy preferences on such issues.
- For instance, the US’ preference to allow free and open data flows under the digital economy pillar will constrict India’s ability to regulate data for domestic purposes.
Way forward for India
- The IPEF remains attractive for India given its flexibility and open nature, allowing Delhi to demonstrate its political commitment to the United States to jointly shape the rules governing the Indo-Pacific’s economic future even as competitors lurk.
- Tough policy choices, like the one on data and taxation, must be made by Indian officials while negotiating the terms of the IPEF accession.
Conclusion
What’s clear is that the IPEF represents both a mirage and aspiration. Collectively, it represents a leap into an unknown that has to be negotiated amongst partners that share interests and some values.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Challenges in dealing with Indo-Pacific
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: The Spratly Islands
Mains level: Paper 2- IPEF and challenges
Context
The Indo-Pacific region has been under pressure and East Asia, in particular, has had to weather repeated storms.
Background
- Recently, U.S. President Joseph Biden was on his five-day visit to Asia.
- During this visit, the new conservative South Korean government showed a willingness to expand the presence of a U.S. missile defence system in the country, which had earlier angered China.
- In Japan, the administration promised him that it was ready to do away with its long-standing 1% GDP ceiling for annual defence spending.
- Mr. Biden said at a press conference that the U.S. would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan if it came under attack from China.
- The President and members of his delegation later clarified that there is no change in the substance of American foreign policy, which is still governed by the Taiwan Relations Act.
- As per the 1979 Congressional law, the U.S. “shall provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character” so that the region can defend itself.
- The law says nothing about the U.S. being required to step in militarily to defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion by China.
China-challenge in Indo-Pacific
- South Korea and Japan face regular nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
- Challenge to international maritime law: China not only challenges international maritime laws in the South China Sea, but also confronts Japan over the Senkaku Islands.
- Spratly Islands dispute: Six nations, including China and Taiwan, are involved in the dispute over the Spratly Islands, which are supposedly sitting on vast reserves of oil and natural gas.
- Militarisation of disputed isles: China has vigorously militarised some portions of the disputed isles, islets and coral reefs; and countries like Vietnam and the Philippines are anxious not to be left behind.
Will IPEF framework help in tackling challenges from China?
- The US has sought to deal with China by establishing an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) with Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Four pillars of IPEF: The IPEF will work on fine-tuning four major pillars: standards and rules for digital trade; resilient supply chains; green energy commitments; and fair trade.
- Issues of trade and tariffs: However, there is discontent that the framework does not address issues of trade and tariffs.
- Lack of trade component: Asian partners really want is trade, they want market access.
- And the trade component of the IPEF is really lacking.
Two facets of Indo-Pacific
- 1] Balance relations with US and China: One is that China’s neighbours would rather balance relations between Washington and Beijing.
- 2] Extent of resistance: Second is the extent to which countries in the region will want to get on the anti-China bandwagon, economic or strategic.
- Whether it is in East, Southeast or South Asia, every country has its own unique relationship with Beijing.
- India may be a part of the Quad, but is quite mindful that it is the only country in the group that shares a land border with China.
- South Korea and Japan are part of a strong American security/strategic partnership but will be keen on maintaining their economic status with China.
- This is also true for the Association of South East Asian Nations.
Conclusion
Given the complex nature of the threats and the challenges the Indo-Pacific faces, drawing up any strategy remains to be an uphill task.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
How the Quad can become more than an anti-China grouping
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indo-Pacific Economic framework
Mains level: Paper 2- Opportunity for Quad plus
Context
On May 23, before the Quad leaders’ summit in Tokyo, the United States launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
Significance IPEF
- The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will consist of a diverse group of 12 countries initially — Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
- The IPEF — which covers fair trade, supply chain resilience, infrastructure, clean energy, and decarbonisation, among others — is likely to complement the other Indo-Pacific projects like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) that also seeks to build resilient and secure trade linkages by reducing dependence on China.
- Decoupling from Chinese over-dependence: The US-led economic engagement is a salient attempt to allow countries to decouple from Chinese over-dependence in order to ultimately strengthen the existing free and open rules-based global order.
- Extension of plus grouping: The launch of IPEF signifies the essence of the Quad and its extension as a “plus” grouping.
- It brings together seven critical countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), all Quad states, and dialogue partners, including South Korea, solidifying a case for the “plus” characterisation of the Quad process.
- Thus, it is an encouraging sign that the Quad countries are investing their strategic orientation in this regard.
- Importantly, both the IPEF launch, and the Tokyo summit dispel any remaining misgivings about the Quad disintegrating and certify that it is a cohesive unit where it matters.
- It would potentially represent an amalgamation of the eastern and western “like-minded” countries.
- The expanded grouping and the related Quad initiatives will build a comprehensive and integrated approach to combating shared challenges arising out of Chinese aggression.
- A hallmark of Biden’s latest Asia visit has been South Korea’s embrace of the Indo-Pacific framework.
- This is a long-awaited turn that could potentially lead to South Korea participating in a more meaningful manner in the Quad in the near future.
Importance of Taiwan
- Taiwan is a major economy in the Indo-Pacific region (as also the US’s eighth-largest trading partner in 2021 and a critical partner in diversifying the US supply chains), which is already engaged in the US-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue that includes many of the issues proposed in the IPEF.
- The inclusion of Taiwan, which already has a critical role in the global semi-conductor supply chain network, in the SCRI and the IPEF as well as, by extension, in the Quad format, in some manner would be a welcome addition.
- Geopolitical statement against coercive tactics: Importantly, Taiwan’s inclusion would also be a geopolitical statement against coercion tactics by international actors.
Inclusivity characteristics based on a commitment to the existing international order
- In its current abstract framework, the plus framework includes a wide array of states (which also comprise the IPEF) — developing and developed economies as well as middle and major powers that are committed to maintaining an inclusive, rules-based and liberal institutional order.
- The inclusivity angle is suspect as the grouping is essentially what China calls a US-led “anti-China” tool.
- Therefore, what interested states must envision is a broad, all-embracing, and comprehensive framework that can stand as a pillar for regional security and stability, multilateralism, and defence of global institutionalism and the status quo.
Conclusion
States are showing their willingness, and now it is incumbent on the Quad states to allow for the creation of a “corridor of communication” that ultimately leads to a “continental connect” to strengthen a rules-based order.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
India seeks closer BIMSTEC partnership
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BIMSTEC
Mains level: Read the attached story
Addressing the ministerial of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi–Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), EAM S. Jaishankar urged closer cooperation and connectivity among the members.
What is BIMSTEC?
- The BIMSTEC formed in 1997 is an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, housing 1.73 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.8 trillion (2021).
- The BIMSTEC member states – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – are among the countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
- Leadership is rotated in alphabetical order of country names. The permanent secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- A BIMSTEC free trade agreement is under negotiation (c. 2018), also referred to as the mini SAARC.
Objectives of BIMSTEC
There are 14 main sectors of BIMSTEC along technological and economic cooperation among South Asian and Southeast Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
- Trade & Investment
- Transport & Communication
- Energy
- Tourism
- Technology
- Fisheries
- Agriculture
- Public Health
- Poverty Alleviation
- Counter-Terrorism & Transnational Crime
- Environment & Disaster Management
- People-to-People Contact
- Cultural Cooperation
- Climate Change
About the proposed BIMSTEC FTA Framework
- The BIMSTEC FTA has been signed by all member nations to stimulate trade and investment in the parties, and attract outsiders to trade with and invest in the BIMSTEC countries at a higher level.
- Subsequently, the “Trade Negotiating Committee” (TNC) was set up, with Thailand as the permanent chair, to negotiate in areas of trade in goods and services, investment, economic co-operation, trade facilitations and technical assistance for LDCs.
- Once negotiation on trade in goods is completed, the TNC would then proceed with negotiation on trade in services and investment.
Others
(1) BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement draft
- It was discussed on 1 December 2017 in New Delhi, to facilitate coastal shipping within 20 nautical miles of the coastline in the region to boost trade between the member countries.
- Compared to the deep sea shipping, coastal ship require smaller vessels with lesser draft and involve lower costs.
- Once the agreement becomes operational after it is ratified, a lot of cargo movement between the member countries can be done through the cost effective, environment friendly and faster coastal shipping routes.
(2) BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity
- The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, finalized under India’s chairmanship of the expert group last year, envisages a seamless multimodal transport system across the region.
- This will stimulate intra-regional trade and investment in the region.
- It identifies 264 projects requiring an investment of $ 126 billion over a ten year horizon from 2018–2028.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
India-Oman Relations
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mapping of the Persian Gulf region
Mains level: Significance India-Oman Ties from Chinese threat perspective
India is laying out the red carpet for Oman’s top defence official Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, who will be in India for a four-day official visit.
India-Oman Relations: A Backgrounder
- The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf.
- Both nations are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations.
- An Indian consulate was opened in Muscat in February 1955 which was upgraded to a consulate general in 1960 and later into a full-fledged embassy in 1971.
- The first ambassador of India arrived in Muscat in 1973.
History of the ties
- Oman, for many years, was ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who was a friend of India.
- Sultan Qaboos, the longest-reigning leader of the modern Arab world, died in January ‘2020 at the age of 79.
- He was a man who was, as a student, taught by Shankar Dayal Sharma who went on to become the President of India.
- Sultan Qaboos’s father, an alumnus of Ajmer’s Mayo College, sent his son to study in Pune for some time, where he was former President Shankar Dayal Sharma’s student.
Economic ties
- Expatriate community: Oman has over five hundred thousand Indian nationals living there making them the largest expatriate community in Oman. They annually remit $780 million to India.
- Bilateral trade: In 2010, bilateral trade between India and Oman stood at $4.5 billion. India was Oman’s second-largest destination for its non-oil exports and its fourth-largest source for Indian imports.
- Energy: India has been considering the construction of a 1,100-km-long underwater natural gas pipeline from Oman called the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE).
Defense cooperation
Oman is the first Gulf nation to have formalized defense relations with India.
- Naval cooperation: The Indian Navy has berthing rights in Oman, and has been utilizing Oman’s ports as bases for conducting anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
- Tri-services base: In February 2018, India announced that it had secured access to the facilities at Duqm for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. Duqm had previously served as a port for the INS Mumbai.
- Arms trade: The standard issue rifle of the Royal Army of Oman is India’s INSAS rifle.
- Bilateral exercises: Naseem al-Bahr (Arabic for Sea Breeze) is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Oman. The exercise was first held in 1993.
Significance of Oman for India
- Oman is India’s closest defense partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defense and strategic interests.
- It is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks, enabling close cooperation and trust at the professional level.
- It also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian sea for anti-piracy missions.
Duqm port and its strategic imperative
- In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean region, India has secured access to the key Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support.
- This is part of India’s maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence and activities in the region.
- The Port of Duqm is strategically located, in close proximity to the Chabahar port in Iran.
- With the Assumption Island being developed in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius, Duqm fits into India’s proactive maritime security roadmap.
- In recent years, India had deployed an attack submarine to this port in the western Arabian Sea.
Deterrent in ties: Chinese influence in Oman
- China started cultivating ties with the Arab countries following the former Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
- Beijing has cultivated close ties with Oman and the latter was, in fact, the first country to deliver oil to China.
- As of today, 92.99 per cent of Oman’s oil exports go to China, making China Oman’s largest oil importer.
- Oman and China signed an agreement to establish an Oman-China Industrial Park at Duqm in 2016.
- China has identified Oman as a key country in the region and has been enhancing defence ties with it steadily.
Way forward
- India does not have enough energy resources to serve its current or future energy requirements. The rapidly growing energy demand has contributed to the need for long term energy partnerships with countries like Oman.
- Oman’s Duqm Port is situated in the middle of international shipping lanes connecting East with West Asia.
- India needs to engage with Oman and take initiatives to utilise opportunities arising out of the Duqm Port industrial city.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
AUKUS Partnership for Indo-Pacific
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AUKUS, Quad
Mains level: Maritime cooperations for Indo-Pacific
The Biden administration has announced a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, between Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. (AUKUS).
What is AUKUS?
- AUKUS, as the partnership is being called, will strive over the next 18 months to equip Australia with nuclear propulsion technology.
- As part of this, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines with help from the UK and the US.
- It will also involve a new architecture of meetings and engagements between the three countries, as well as cooperation across emerging technologies (applied AI, quantum technologies and undersea capabilities).
- Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines, when they deploy, will be armed with conventional weapons only and not nuclear weapons.
Why such an alliance?
- Tensions have been high between Australia and an increasingly assertive China, its largest trade partner.
- Australia banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei in 2108 and its PM called for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 last year.
- China retaliated by imposing tariffs on or capping Australian exports.
Not to substitute Quad or others
- This alliance does not and will not supersede or outrank existing arrangements in the Indo-Pacific region such as the Quad, which the US and Australia form with India and Japan, and ASEAN.
- AUKUS will complement these groups and others.
Significance
- There has been only one other time that the US has shared as “extremely sensitive” submarine propulsion technology — more than 60 years ago, back in 1958, with Great Britain.
- The US is working to move past the 20-year war in Afghanistan and the chaotic U.S. exit from Kabul.
- The Biden Administration has put countering China at the center of his economic and national security efforts, describing it as the biggest challenge of this era.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
India’s leadership in the debate on maritime security
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNCLOS
Mains level: Paper 3- Maritime security
Context
Indian PM recently addressed the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation”, convened by India.
Highlights of the UNSC debate on Maritime Security
- India’s leadership: As President of the UN Security Council for the month of August, India’s leadership in the debate on maritime security has strengthened its credentials as a key stakeholder in the maritime commons.
- Ocean as a common heritage: Prime Minister Modi described the oceans as a common heritage for humankind and a lifeline for the future of the planet.
- Culture, history, geography: In enunciating five principles, Mr. Modi linked free and open trade to India’s civilisational ethos.
- He outlined a far-sighted vision rooted in India’s culture, history and geography.
- SAGAR: The relevance of SAGAR (Security And Growth For All In The Region) was also reiterated.
- Need for a common framework: The global community needs to develop a common framework to deal with contemporary challenges, including maritime disputes and natural disasters.
Importance of high seas
- Ninety per cent of global trade is conducted on the high seas, for the simple reason that it continues to be the most cost-effective mode of transport.
- Spread of prosperity: Freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce are key to the spread of prosperity.
- Critical supply chains depend on the concept of mare liberum (open seas).
Suggestions and role of India
1) Maritime dispute settlement based on international law
- The Prime Minister advocated the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes on the basis of international law.
- The importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework governing all maritime activity needs to be emphasised.
- India’s acceptance of the award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2014 paved the way for India and Bangladesh to put aside their maritime dispute and forge even closer ties.
- In 2016, China summarily rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favour of the Philippines.
- The neo-colonial concept of mare clausum (closed seas) in the South China Sea is anathema to the future of the global economy.
2) Deling with natural disasters and maritime threats
- Natural disasters and maritime threats posed by non-state actors have grown exponentially.
- The global community needs to rally together to deal effectively with the ravages of cyclones, tsunami and maritime pollution.
- First responder: India’s role as ‘first responder’ in the Indian Ocean, whether in thwarting piracy or providing relief after the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, is well-documented.
- The Indian Coast Guard’s operational reach and capability has vastly improved in dealing with environmental hazards and piracy.
- White shipping agreements: India now has white shipping agreements with several countries.
- Cooperation: The Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) based in Gurugram hosts officers from the United States, Japan, France, Australia and the United Kingdom.
- Training:The Indian Navy regularly offers a large number of training slots to friendly countries.
3) Environmental concerns
- The oceans remain our lifeline.
- Yet, they have been overwhelmed by plastic waste which chokes all forms of marine life.
4) Connectivity and infrastructure
- Connectivity: The development of connectivity and infrastructure are also a major priority.
- There are heightened concerns today over China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Openness and transparency India stands for openness and transparency in the execution of projects, based on local priorities, with in-built fiscal viability and environmental sustainability.
- Blue Dot Network: The U.S., Japan and Australia are also promoting better standards for global infrastructure through the Blue Dot Network.
Conclusion
India’s natural interests stretch across both the Indian and Pacific Oceans as reflected in its inclusive Indo-Pacific vision. No doubt, India’s initiative will further the prospects for a stable and enduring maritime environment.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Five-point Framework for Maritime Security
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Not much
Mains level: Need for maritime cooperation
A week into India’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) presidency, PM Modi has outlined a five-point framework for maritime security debate at UNSC.
Maritime Security
- Maritime security is one of the latest buzzwords of international relations.
- Major actors in maritime policy, ocean governance and international security have in the past decade started to include maritime security in their mandate or reframed their work in such terms.
- Core dimensions of maritime security involves the concept of blue economy, food security and the resilience of coastal populations.
- A secure maritime environment provides the precondition for managing marine resources.
Threats to maritime security
Need for an agenda
- In today’s economy, the oceans have an increased importance, allowing all countries to participate in the global marketplace.
- More than 80 percent of the world’s trade travels by water and forges a global maritime link.
- About half the world’s trade by value, and 90 percent of the general cargo, are transported in containers.
- Many countries have invested significant resources in maritime infrastructure, trade, energy supply chains, cargo movements and processes.
- China, undeniably a continental country, claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters.
5-point agenda for enhancing maritime cooperation
[1] Removal of barriers to legitimate maritime trade:
- Global prosperity depends on the active flow of maritime trade. Any hindrance in maritime trade can threaten the global economy, PM said.
- Maritime trade has always been part of the civilizational ethos of India.
- PM termed this principle as ‘SAGAR’ Security and Growth for All in the Region.
[2] Resolution of maritime disputes peacefully in accordance with international law:
- Citing the example of the resolution of India’s maritime dispute with Bangladesh, PM Modi said it is necessary for free maritime trade to fully respect the rights of seafarers of other countries.
[3] Fight threats from natural disasters, non-state actors:
- PM said the Indian Navy has been patrolling to counter piracy in the Indian Ocean since 2008.
- It is enhancing the common maritime domain awareness of the region through our White Shipping Information Fusion Centre.
- India has provided support for hydrographic surveying and training of maritime security personnel to several countries.
[4] Conservation of marine resources:
- Our oceans directly impact our climate. Hence, it is very important that we keep our maritime environment free of pollutants like plastic waste and oil spills.
- We also need to take joint steps against over-fishing and marine poaching, PM said.
- He also emphasized the need for increased mutual cooperation in Ocean Science research.
[5] Promoting responsible maritime connectivity:
- PM said it is well understood that the creation of infrastructure is necessary to boost maritime trade.
- He advocated for appropriate global norms and standards to ensure that such infrastructure projects are carried out as per the fiscal sustainability and absorption capacity of the host countries.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Advocating for sustained focus on the maritime domain
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SAGAR
Mains level: Paper 3- Security and growth for all in maritime domain
Context
In an innovative departure from normal practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside (in virtual mode) over the UN Security Council, on Monday (August 9) when India holds the President’s chair for one month. The subject of debate is maritime security.
Issues with global maritime security
- FON issue: There is tension in the South China Sea over freedom of navigation (FON) rights in international waters and how China has laid claim to “territoriality” based on artificial structures (not natural islands).
- This formulation has not been accepted by the US that has exercised transit rights in these waters.
- Many ASEAN nations and Quad members such as Japan, Australia and India subscribe to the principle of FON and do not accept the Chinese interpretation of the “nine-dash-line”.
- Traditional challenges: Piracy and non-traditional challenges at sea such as gun-running and smuggling are old chestnuts.
- Maritime pollution: Accidents in the oceans have added to the anxiety about marine pollution and its downstream consequences for the health of the oceans.
- Global warming: A UN report has come up with grim statistics about the impact of global warming on the chemistry of oceans.
- This study notes that oceans have become more acidic as sea water absorbs more carbon dioxide.
- Furthermore, the upper layers of the open ocean have lost between 0.5 per cent and 3.3 per cent of their oxygen since 1970 as temperatures have risen.
Way forward for India at UNCS: Security and equitable growth
- The subject to be deliberated upon by the UNSC members is “Enhancing maritime security: A case for international cooperation”.
- This would be an extension of India’s advocacy of SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) in relation to the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
- At the UNSC strategic and security issues such as the South China Sea and FON would find little consensus as China is a permanent member and would stall any meaningful debate.
- Focus on global goods: What may find support for a useful debate at the UNSC would be those areas that could be brought under the rubric of the “global good”.
- For instance, the welfare of seafarers who are the sinews of the global merchant marine, has received scant attention in this Covid-scarred period and the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) has been unable to effectively address such issues.
- Correlation with globalisation: India can also advocate for sustained focus on the maritime domain and the correlation with globalisation, the blue economy, the health of the ocean and the overall impact on human security.
Conclusion
Security and equitable growth for all by husbanding the global ocean for future generations is a laudable goal and encouraging the UNSC to prioritise this issue is a worthy cause.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Places in news: Agalega Island
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agalega Island
Mains level: Indian ocean power competition
Mauritius has denied a report that it has allowed India to build a military base on the remote island of Agalega.
Agalega Island
- Agaléga are two outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers north of Mauritius island.
- The islands have a total area of 2,600 ha (6,400 acres).
- There is an MoU between the governments of Mauritius and India to develop the Agaléga islands and resolve infrastructural problems faced by Agaleans.
Why in news?
- India asserts that these new facilities are part of its Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, which aims to increase maritime cooperation between countries in the region.
- Mauritius, for its part, has indicated that its coastguard personnel will use the new facilities.
- But it is clear that the Indian investment of $250m in developing an airfield, port, and communications hub on this remote island is not aimed at helping Mauritius develop its capacity to police its territorial waters.
Significance of this area
- The Agalega area is currently a blind spot for the Indian Navy and by building a military facility in it, New Delhi hopes to expand its maritime domain awareness.
- In times of conflict, knowing the location of enemy ships and submarines, without being detected in the process, creates a significant advantage.
- China’s naval forays into this region are the true motivator for its expanding naval presence.
- In peacetime, effective maritime domain awareness helps establish international partnerships with like-minded militaries and also acts as a deterrent to both state and non-state adversaries, by signaling reach.
Conclusion
- The Indian Ocean is now increasingly contested.
- Whether or not China is deterred by India’s surveillance efforts, Agaléga is now a pawn in this new era of major power competition across the Indian Ocean and indeed the wider Indo-Pacific region.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
[pib] Exercise Kavach
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Kavach
Mains level: NA
A large scale all-services exercise ‘Exercise Kavach’ will be conducted next week under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the only Joint Forces Command of the country.
All-time generic question seeking ‘match the pairs’ can be asked from the news as such. Click here for more exercises.
Exercise Kavach
- The tri-services exercise aims to fine-tune joint war-fighting capabilities and SOPs towards enhancing operational synergy in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.
- This exercise would involve assets of Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard.
- The exercise involves synergized application of maritime surveillance assets, coordinated air and maritime strikes, air defence, submarine and landing operations.
- Concurrently Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) exercise involving various technical, electronic and human intelligence from three services will be conducted.
- The ISR exercise will validate the capabilities of intelligence gathering from space, air, land and sea-based assets/ sensors, its analysis and sharing to achieve battlefield transparency.
- It would carry out amphibious landing operations, air landed operation, helicopters-borne insertion of Special Forces from sea culminating in tactical follow-on operations on land.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
[pib] Mission Sagar – II
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mission SAGAR
Mains level: India's SAGAR policy of Indian Ocean Region
As part of ‘Mission Sagar-II’, Indian Naval Ship Airavat had entered Port Sudan.
Mission SAGAR, unlike other missions, can create confusion with the name and its purpose. Make note of such special cases. UPSC can ask such questions as one liner MCQs.
Mission Sagar – II
- Mission Sagar-II, follows the first ‘Mission Sagar’ undertaken in May-June 2020, wherein India reached out to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, and provided food aid and medicines.
- As part of Mission Sagar-II, Indian Naval Ship Airavat will deliver food aid to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.
- This mission is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours.
Back2Basics
SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on the blue economy.
- It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to the Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region.
- The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
- It is in line with the principles of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)
- Established in 1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius.
- First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the IORA for Regional Cooperation.
- It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freedom of Navigation Operations
Mains level: Not Much
Indian Navy is scheduled to hold another Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the US to undertake Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOP).
Try this question:
Q.What do you mean by Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs)? What are its legal backings? Discuss its significance.
Freedom of Navigation Operations
- FONOPs are closely linked to the concept of freedom of navigation, and in particular to the enforcement of relevant international law and customs regarding freedom of navigation.
- Freedom of navigation has been thoroughly practised and refined, and ultimately codified and accepted as international law under UNCLOS, in a legal process that was inclusive and consent-based.
- The drafting of UNCLOS was driven in part by states’ concerns that strong national maritime interests could lead to excessive maritime claims over coastal seas, which could threaten freedom of navigation.
- FONOPs are outgrowths of this development of international law, based on sovereign equality and international interdependence.
Significance of FONOPs
- FONOPs are a method of enforcing UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and avoiding these negative outcomes by reinforcing freedom of navigation through practice.
- It is exercised by sailing through all areas of the sea permitted under UNCLOS, and particularly those areas that states have attempted to close off to free navigation as defined under UNCLOS.
Back2Basics: UNCLOS
- The Law of the Sea Treaty formally known as the Third United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was adopted in 1982 at Montego Bay, Jamaica. It entered into force in 1994.
- The convention establishes a comprehensive set of rules governing the oceans and to replace previous U.N. Conventions on the Law of the Sea
- The convention defines the distance of 12 nautical miles from the baseline as Territorial Sea limit and a distance of 200 nautical miles distance as Exclusive Economic Zone limit.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Greater Male Connectivity Project
Mains level: India-Maldives Relations
Following up on India’s announcement of a $500 million package to the Maldives, the Exim Bank of India and the Maldives’s Ministry of Finance signed an agreement for $400 million in Male.
Try this question from 2014:
Q.Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
Greater Male Connectivity Project
- The GMCP consists of a number of bridges and causeways to connect Male to Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifahu islands that span 6.7 km.
- It would ease much of the pressure of the main capital island of Male for commercial and residential purposes.
- When completed, the project would render the Chinese built Sinamale Friendship bridge connecting Male to two other islands, thus far the most visible infrastructure project in the islands.
- At present, India-assisted projects in the region include water and sewerage projects on 34 islands, reclamation project for the Addl island, a port on Gulhifalhu, airport redevelopment at Hanimadhoo, and a hospital and a cricket stadium in Hulhumale.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) SCHEME
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: O-Smart Scheme
Mains level: India's deep ocean mission
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has informed about the progress of O-SMART Scheme.
Do you know?
India’s ambitious Deep Ocean Mission is an umbrella scheme under O-SMART initiative. Bottom of Form
O-SMART Scheme
- The services rendered under the O-SMART will provide economic benefits to a number of user communities in the coastal and ocean sectors, namely, fisheries, offshore industry, coastal states, Defence, Shipping, Ports etc.
- It seeks to address issues relating to SDG-14, which aims to conserve the use of oceans, marine resources for sustainable development.
- It also provides the necessary scientific and technological background required for the implementation of various aspects of Blue Economy.
- The State of Art Early Warning Systems established Scheme will help in effectively dealing with ocean disasters like Tsunami, storm surges.
- The technologies being developed will help in harnessing the vast ocean resources of both living and non-living resources from the seas around India.
- A fleet of research vessels viz., Technology Demonstration vessel SagarNidhi, Oceanographic Research Vessel SagarKanya, Fisheries and Oceanographic Research Vessel SagarSampada and Coastal Research Vessel SagarPurvi have been acquired to provide required research support.
Some of the modified objective
The objectives of O-SMART are:
- To generate and regularly update information on Marine Living Resources and their relationship with the physical environment in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),
- To periodically monitor levels of seawater pollutants for health assessment of coastal waters of India, to develop shoreline change maps for assessment of coastal erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities,
- To develop a wide range of state-of-the-art ocean observation systems for the acquisition of real-time data from the seas around India,
- To generate and disseminate a suite of user-oriented ocean information, advisories, warnings, data and data products for the benefit of society,
- To develop high-resolution models for ocean forecast and reanalysis system,
- To develop algorithms for validation of satellite data for coastal research and to monitor changes in the coastal research,
- Acquisition of 2 Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) as replacement of 2 old CRVs for coastal pollution monitoring, testing of various underwater components and technology demonstration,
- To carry out exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (MPN) from a water depth of 5500 m in the site of 75000 sq.km allotted to India by United Nations in Central Indian Ocean Basin, to carry out investigations of gas hydrates,
- Exploration of polymetallic sulphides near Rodrigues Triple junction in 10000 sq. km of the area allotted to India in International waters by International Seabed Authority/UN and,
- Submission of India’s claim over continental shelf extending beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone supported by scientific data, and Topographic survey of EEZ of India.
Also read:
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
India joins Djibouti Code of Conduct
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Agreement
Mains level: Maritime Security of India
India has joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCOC/JA) as Observer, following the high-level virtual meeting.
Try this MCQ:
Q.The Djibouti Code of Conduct is related to:
(a) International trade in precious stones (b) Maritime Security (c) Data sharing on Terrorism related activities (d) Data Localization
Djibouti Code of Conduct
- DCOC/JA is a grouping on maritime matters comprising 18 member states adjoining the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, the East coast of Africa and Island countries in the IOR.
- The DCOC, established in January 2009, is aimed at the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean Region, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Provisions of the code
- The Code provides a framework for capacity building in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean to combat the threat of piracy.
- It is a partnership of the willing and continues to both deliver against its aims as well as attract increasing membership.
- The Code was signed on January 29 by the representatives of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Yemen.
- Since the meeting, further countries have signed bringing the total to 18 countries from the 21 eligible.
Significance for India
- India joins Japan, Norway, the UK and the US as Observers to the DCOC/JA.
- As an Observer at the DCOC/JA, India looks forward to working together with DCOC/JA member states towards coordinating and contributing to enhanced maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Delhi has been steadily increasing its strategic footprints in Western and Eastern Indian Ocean besides Eastern African coastal states.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Greater Male Connectivity Project
Mains level: India-Maldives Relations
India will fund the implementation of the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) in the Maldives with $500 mn packages.
Try this question from 2014:
Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
About Greater Male Connectivity Project
- The GMCP will consist of a number of bridges and causeways to connect Male to Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifahu islands that span 6.7 km.
- It would ease much of the pressure of the main capital island of Male for commercial and residential purposes.
- When completed, the project would render the Chinese built Sinamale Friendship bridge connecting Male to two other islands, thus far the most visible infrastructure project in the islands.
- At present, India-assisted projects in the region include water and sewerage projects on 34 islands, reclamation project for the Addl island, a port on Gulhifalhu, airport redevelopment at Hanimadhoo, and a hospital and a cricket stadium in Hulhumale.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IOC
Mains level: Indian ocean security
India is looking to post Navy Liaison Officers at the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) of IOC in Madagascar and also at the European maritime surveillance initiative in the Strait of Hormuz.
Note the members of the IOC form map. One may get confused considering India as a permanent member.
About Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
- The IOC is an intergovernmental organization that was created in 1982 at Port Louis, Mauritius and institutionalized in 1984 by the Victoria Agreement in Seychelles.
- The IOC is composed of five African Indian Ocean nations: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (an overseas region of France), and Seychelles.
- These five islands share geographic proximity, historical and demographic relationships, natural resources and common development issues.
Aims and Objectives of IOC
- IOC’s principal mission is to strengthen the ties of friendship between the countries and to be a platform of solidarity for the entire population of the African Indian Ocean region.
- IOC’s mission also includes development, through projects related to sustainability for the region, aimed at protecting the region, improving the living conditions of the populations and preserving the various natural resources that the countries depend on.
- Being an organisation regrouping only island states, the IOC has usually championed the cause of small island states in regional and international fora.
India and IOC
- India was accepted as an observer getting a seat at the table of the organization that handles maritime governance in the western Indian Ocean.
- India’s entry is a consequence of its deepening strategic partnership with France as well as its expanding ties with the Vanilla Islands.
- The IOC has four observers — China, EU, Malta and International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
Significance of IOC
- For India, the importance of joining this organization lies in several things.
- First, India will get an official foothold in a premier regional institution in the western Indian Ocean, boosting engagement with islands in this part of the Indian Ocean.
- These island nations are increasingly important for India’s strategic outreach as part of its Indo-Pacific policy.
- This move would enhance ties with France which is the strong global power in the western Indian Ocean.
- It lends depth to India’s SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) policy unveiled by PM Modi in 2015.
- The move, India hopes, would lead to greater security cooperation with countries in East Africa.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SAGAR Programme
Mains level: India's SAGAR policy of Indian Ocean Region
As part of Mission SAGAR, INS Kesari has entered Port Victoria, Seychelles to providing assistance in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Try this question from CSP 2017:
Q. Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?
(a) Sumatra
(b) Borneo
(c) Java
(d) Sri Lanka
Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on the blue economy.
- It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to the Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region.
- The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
- It is in line with the principles of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Back2Basics: IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)
- Established in 1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius.
- First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the IORA for Regional Cooperation.
- It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
[pib] Mission SAGAR
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SAGAR Programme
Mains level: India's SAGAR policy of Indian Ocean Region
As part of India’s outreach amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ships have departed for Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, to provide Food Items, COVID related Medicines including HCQ Tablets and Medical Assistance Teams under Mission Sagar.
Mission SAGAR, unlike other missions, can create confusion with the name and its purpose. Make note of such special cases. UPSC can ask such questions as one liner MCQs.
Mission SAGAR
- As part of the mission, INS Kesari would enter the Port of Male in the Republic of Maldives, to provide them 600 tons of food provisions.
- The deployment is in consonance with the PMs vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’.
- This deployment is in line with India’s role as the first responder in the region and builds on the excellent relations existing between these countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant difficulties.
- The operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, and other agencies of the govt.
Back2Basics
SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on the blue economy.
- It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to the Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region.
- The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
- It is in line with the principles of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)
- Established in 1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius.
- First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the IORA for Regional Cooperation.
- It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Significance of Indian Ocean Commission for India
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IOC and its member countries.
Mains level: Paper 2- How increasing cooperation with IOC could help India in its vision enshrined in SAGAR?
India got an observer status at IOC (Indian Ocean Commission) in March. This article discusses the significance of IOC in the Western Indian Ocean. The IOC is also significant for India as India’s leadership is made clear in SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) which is “consultative, democratic and equitable”. There are things that India need to learn from IOC like-“bottom-up regionalism” and there are things that India can contribute to IOC like its expertise. These issues are discussed here.
About Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
- Founded in 1982, the IOC is an intergovernmental organisation.
- It comprises five small-island states in the Western Indian Ocean: the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (a French department), and Seychelles.
- Though Réunion brings a major power, France, into this small-state equation, decisions in the IOC are consensus-based.
- While France’s foreign policy interests are represented, the specifics of Réunion’s regional decision-making emerge from its local governance structures.
- Over the years, the IOC has emerged as an active and trusted regional actor, working in and for the Western Indian Ocean and implementing a range of projects.
Maritime security by IOC and India’s interests
- More recently, the IOC has demonstrated leadership in the maritime security domain.
- Since maritime security is a prominent feature of India’s relations with Indian Ocean littoral states, India’s interest in the IOC should be understood in this context.
- However, India has preferred to engage bilaterally with smaller states in the region.
- The IOC is a cluster of small states which do not seek a ‘big brother’ partnership.
- The IOC has its own regional agenda.
- The IOC has made impressive headway in the design and implementation of regional maritime security architecture in the Western Indian Ocean.
MASE program and RMIFC to help maritime security
- What is MASE program? The European Union-funded programme to promote Maritime Security in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
- In 2012, the IOC was one of the four regional organisations to launch the MASE Programme
- Under MASE, the IOC has established a mechanism for surveillance and control of the Western Indian Ocean with two regional centres.
- RMIFC: The Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center (RMIFC), based in Madagascar, is designed to deepen maritime domain awareness by monitoring maritime activities and promoting information sharing and exchange.
- The Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), based in Seychelles, will eventually facilitate joint or jointly coordinated interventions at sea based on information gathered through the RMIFC.
- These centres are a response to the limitations that the states in the region face in policing and patrolling their often enormous Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
- They deliver an urgently needed deterrent against unabating maritime crime at sea.
- Which was only partly addressed by the high-level counter-piracy presence of naval forces from the EU, the Combined Maritime Forces, and Independent Forces.
- Seven states in the region have signed agreements to participate in this multilateral maritime security architecture, and once ratified, will provide its legal foundation.
- Many major powers have expressed interest in accessing the RMIFC.
In 2013, a question based on the “strings of pearls” was asked by the UPSC. In 2014 question with respect to the South China Sea and the freedom of navigation was asked. On similar lines, a question can be asked from the Western Indian Ocean region dealing with maritime security. Such a question would require information about IOC.
What India can learn from IOC?
- The IOC’s achievements offer an opportunity for India to learn, and also to support.
- The IOC style of ‘bottom-up regionalism’ has produced a sub-regional view and definition of maritime security problems and local ownership of pathways towards workable solutions.
- A 2019 policy brief published by the IOC ‘Strengthening Maritime Security in the Western Indian Ocean’, sets out how the counter-piracy response off the coast of Somalia delivered unprecedented regional and international cooperation in the domain of maritime security.
- However, it resulted in multiple players, the duplication of actions, and regional dependence on international navies.
- The IOC has been seeking more sustainable ways of addressing maritime security threats in the region, with the RMIFC and RCOC as part of this response.
- Its regional maritime security architecture is viewed locally as the most effective and sustainable framework to improve maritime control and surveillance and allow littoral States to shape their own destiny.
- Moreover, with proper regional coordination, local successes at curbing maritime threats will have broader security dividends for the Indian Ocean space.
How India can contribute?
- Nearly all littoral states in the Western Indian Ocean need assistance in developing their maritime domain awareness and in building capacity to patrol their EEZs.
- All would benefit from national information fusion centres that can link to those of the wider region.
- With its observer status, India will be called upon to- 1. Extend its expertise to the region. 2. Put its satellite imagery to the service of the RMIFC. 3. Establish links with its own Information Fusion Centre.
- As a major stakeholder in the Indian Ocean with maritime security high on the agenda, India will continue to pursue its interests and tackle maritime security challenges at the macro level in the region.
- However, as an observer of the IOC, a specific, parallel opportunity to embrace bottom-up regionalism presents itself.
- There are those in the Western Indian Ocean who are closely watching how India’s “consultative, democratic and equitable” leadership will take shape.
Conclusion
India, with its principles of leadership made clear in SAGAR has an opportunity to learn from and partner with IOC to reinforce the maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
Indian Ocean Commission
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IOC
Mains level: Indian ocean security
India was accepted as an observer in the Indian Ocean Commission getting a seat at the table of the organization that handles maritime governance in the western Indian Ocean.
Indian Ocean Commission
- The Indian Ocean Commission is an intergovernmental organization that was created in 1982 at Port Louis, Mauritius and institutionalized in 1984 by the Victoria Agreement in Seychelles.
- The COI is composed of five African Indian Ocean nations: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (an overseas region of France), and Seychelles.
- These five islands share geographic proximity, historical and demographic relationships, natural resources and common development issues.
Aims and Objectives of IOC
- COI’s principal mission is to strengthen the ties of friendship between the countries and to be a platform of solidarity for the entire population of the African Indian Ocean region.
- COI’s mission also includes development, through projects related to sustainability for the region, aimed at protecting the region, improving the living conditions of the populations and preserving the various natural resources that the countries depend on.
- Being an organisation regrouping only island states, the COI has usually championed the cause of small island states in regional and international fora.
India and IOC
- India’s entry is a consequence of its deepening strategic partnership with France as well as its expanding ties with the Vanilla Islands.
- India had made the application to be an observer. The IOC has four observers — China, EU, Malta and International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
Significance
- For India, the importance of joining this organization lies in several things.
- First, India will get an official foothold in a premier regional institution in the western Indian Ocean, boosting engagement with islands in this part of the Indian Ocean.
- These island nations are increasingly important for India’s strategic outreach as part of its Indo-Pacific policy.
- This move would enhance ties with France which is the strong global power in the western Indian Ocean.
- It lends depth to India’s SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) policy unveiled by PM Modi in 2015.
- The move, India hopes, would lead to greater security cooperation with countries in East Africa.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
[op-ed snap] Navy to the rescue
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Not much.
Mains level: Paper 3- Expanding the India's sphere of influence in IOR and humanitarian assistance in the region.
Context
Earlier this week, India sent an amphibious warship, INS Airavat, to Madagascar in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to help in rescue efforts after the island nation was hit by a cyclone.
Humanitarian operations- Key component of peacetime strategy
- A key component in IOR: In recent years, humanitarian operations have emerged as a key component of the Indian Navy’s peacetime strategy in the IOR.
- In March 2019, the Navy deployed four warships for relief operations when Mozambique was hit by Cyclone Idai.
- Indian naval teams played a stellar role in search and rescue operations and even set up medical camps.
- A few months later, the Navy sent two warships to Japan to assist in rescue efforts following Typhoon Hagibis.
- A year earlier, Indian vessels had delivered urgent medical assistance to Sulawesi, Indonesia, after it was struck by a high-intensity earthquake.
- Operation Samudra Maitri was launched after a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, with naval planners mobilising assets and relief material in quick time.
- India’s vision for IOR: The Navy’s new humanitarian approach, many says, is a maritime manifestation of India’s vision for the IOR, christened SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).
- Lesson’s from tsunami: The Navy’s turn towards human-centred maritime security isn’t recent. It was in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami that naval commanders first recognised the importance of large-scale relief and rescue missions in the IOR.
- For over a decade, considerable resource and energy have been spent developing specialist capability and skills for naval humanitarian operations.
India- A regional security provider
- What is changing in India’s stance: What’s new today is New Delhi’s resolve to burnish its ‘regional security provider’ credentials.
- The Navy has reached out to countries across the Indo-Pacific region, with greater deployment of assets, personnel and specialist equipment, showcasing an ability to undertake complex and diverse missions.
- The highpoint for India: The highpoint of the Navy’s ‘benign’ efforts was the evacuation of over 1,500 Indian expatriates and 1,300 foreign nationals from Yemen in 2015 amid fighting for control of Aden.
- Three years later, Indian naval ships were in Yemen again, to evacuate 38 Indians stranded in the cyclone-hit Socotra Island.
How the new role could help India?
- India’s desire to be the linchpin of security: The Navy’s humanitarian impulse stems from a desire to be a linchpin of security in the IOR.
- The concept of the first responder: At the core of the evolving operations philosophy is the concept of ‘the first responder’, with the capability and willingness to provide assistance.
- Extension of the sphere of influence: The above approach has the potential to create an extended sphere of Indian influence in the IOR.
- Projection of soft power: Naval leaders recognise that benign missions help project Indian soft power and extend New Delhi’s influence in the littorals.
- Creating goodwill: Prompt response during a humanitarian crisis helps generate political goodwill in the neighbourhood.
Cause for caution with maritime presence
- The issue with prolonged presence: While low-end naval assets in humanitarian mode create strategic equity for India, the prolonged presence of front-line warships in foreign waters has the potential to make partners anxious.
- Shaping perception over naval presence: Naval power, experts underline, must be deployed discreetly, shaping perceptions in subtle ways.
- Need to hide the underlying intent: The key is to not let the underlying intent of a mission appear geopolitical.
- To ensure that motives aren’t misunderstood, and the assistance provided is efficient and cost-effective, it is best to use dedicated disaster-relief platforms.
- India lacking inventory hospital ship: However, unlike the U.S. and China that have in their inventory hospital ships fully equipped for medical assistance, India deploys regular warships and survey ships converted for medical aid.
- India’s improvised platforms do not match the U.S. Navy’s medical ship USNS Mercy or the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Peace Ark.
Need for greater coordination
- The Navy’s expanding array of humanitarian missions reveals a need for greater coordination with the Indo-Pacific navies
- In particular the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces- which possess significant experience and assets to mitigate humanitarian threats.
Conclusion
As natural disasters in the IOR become more frequent and intense, India’s regional security role is likely to grow exponentially. At the forefront of disaster scenarios, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard would find themselves undertaking demanding missions. Humanitarian operations could serve as a springboard for a larger cooperative endeavour in the maritime commons.
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Indian Ocean Power Competition
[op-ed snap] A case of a maritime presence adrift
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Not much.
Mains level: Paper 2- India's role and interest's in IMO and consequences.
Context
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), had mandated that merchant ships should not burn fuel with sulphur content greater than 0.5% beginning January 1.
Why the new sulphur content limit matters?
- The previous limit of 3.5 %: Before the ban, fuel had a comfortable sulphur content limit of 3.5%, which was applicable to most parts of the world.
- Problem with low content fuel: Many industry professionals feared that the new very-low-sulphur fuel would be incompatible with the engines and other vessel equipment.
- Problems with past US limits: Past mandates on sulphur limits in American waters had led to many technical problems. There have been instances of ships having been stranded after fine particles separated out from the fuel, damaging equipment and clogging up devices.
How such regulations matter for India?
- Sulphur cap one of the many problems: The global sulphur cap is only one of the many environment-related regulations that have been shaking up the shipping industry.
- The industry is generally risk-averse and slow to accept changes.
- For instance, efforts are ongoing to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone-depleting gases.
- IMO project to decarbonise shipping: Further, the IMO has announced an ambitious project to decarbonise shipping in order to reduce carbon emissions.
- How it matters for India? These regulations are triggering massive technological, operational and structural changes.
- They come at a price which will have to be borne to a large extent by developing countries such as India.
- India among 10 countries: The IMO currently lists India as among the 10 states with the “largest interest in international seaborne trade”.
- Inadequate participation of India: But India’s participation in the IMO to advance its national interests has been desultory and woefully inadequate.
- How it could matters: The sulphur cap, for instance-
- Will reduce emissions.
- Reduce the health impact on coastal populations but-
- Ship operational costs are going up since the new fuel product is more expensive.
- Refineries struggling to meet demand: As refineries including those in India struggle to meet the demand, freight costs have started moving up, with a cascading effect on retail prices.
Significance of shipping and the role of IMO
- Significance of shipping: Shipping, which accounts for over 90% by volume and about 80% by value of global trade.
- Role of IMO: It is a highly regulated industry with a range of legislation promulgated by the IMO.
- The IMO currently has 174 member states and three associate members; there are also scores of non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations.
- The IMO’s policies or conventions have a serious impact on every aspect of shipping including the cost of maritime trade.
- How IMO functions
- The IMO, like any other UN agency, is primarily a secretariat, which facilitates decision-making processes on all maritime matters through meetings of member states.
- How treaties are made? The binding instruments are brought in through the conventions -to which member states sign on to for compliance -as well as amendments to the same and related codes.
- Structure of IMO: Structurally, maritime matters are dealt with by the committees of the IMO –
- The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
- Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
- Technical Cooperation Committee.
- Legal Committee and the Facilitation Committee.
- Each committee is designated a separate aspect of shipping and supported by sub-committees. Working groups and correspondence groups support the subcommittees.
- Role of subcommittees of IMO: The subcommittees are the main working organs, where the proposals from a member state are parsed before they are forwarded to one of the main committees.
- The main committees, thereafter, with the nod of the Assembly, put the approved proposal for enactment through the Convention, amendments, and codes or circulars.
India’s inadequate efforts at protecting the interest
- How other countries deal with the issues: To ensure that their maritime interests are protected, the European countries move their proposals in unison and voting or support are given en bloc.
- Permanent representative: China, Japan, Singapore, Korea and a few others represent their interests through their permanent representative as well as ensuring that a large delegation takes part and intervenes in the meetings.
- How India is falling short? While these countries have fiercely protected their interests, India has not.
- No permanent representative: For example, its permanent representative post at London has remained vacant for the last 25 years.
- Representation at meetings is often through a skeletal delegation
- India’s presentation inadequate: A review of IMO documents shows that the number of submissions made by India in the recent past has been measly and not in proportion to India’s stakes in global shipping.
- “High-Risk Area” demarcation issue: The promulgation of “High-Risk Areas” when piracy was at its peak and dominated media headlines.
- What happened in the issue? The IMO’s demarcation resulted in half the Arabian Sea and virtually the entire south-west coast of India being seen as piracy-infested, despite the presence of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
- The “Enrica Lexie” shooting incident of 2012, off the coast of Kerala, was a direct fallout of the demarcation.
- What were the consequences of the demarcation issue?
- Increase in insurance costs: The “High-Risk Area” formulation led to a ballooning of insurance costs; it affected goods coming into or out of India.
- It took great efforts to revoke the promulgation and negate the financial burden.
- The episode highlighted India’s apathy and inadequate representation at the IMO.
- NavIC introduction difficulty: There was also great difficulty in introducing the indigenously designed NavIC (NAVigation with Indian Constellation) in the worldwide maritime navigation system.
- What could be the consequences in future?
- EU’s documented procedure: In contrast, the European Union has a documented procedure on how to influence the IMO.
- Agenda driven by developed countries: New legislative mandates, fitment of new equipment and changes to ship structural designs being brought on have been driven by developed countries.
- Consequences for India: All the issues pushed by developed countries are not entirely pragmatic from the point of view of India’s interests.
- Further, it will not be mere speculation to see them as efforts to push products and companies based in the West.
Conclusion
So far, India’s presence and participation in the IMO has been at the individual level. India should now make its presence felt so that its national interests are served. It is time India regained its status as a major maritime power.
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