Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India should gain control over Indian Ocean Region' that was published in Newsband

India should gain control over Indian Ocean Region

What do the Indian Ocean and the region around it mean for Delhi? That is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi made clear during his visits to Seychelles and Mauritius — besides Sri Lanka. Modi said that he sought a future for Indian Ocean that lived up to the name of SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Modi made it clear that Indian Ocean region’s security interests are critical. After all, the perpetrators of one of the worst terror attacks in the country’s history, Mumbai 2008, came by sea. Modi has batted for the creation of a strong regional grouping around the Indian Ocean.

What the Indian government needs to do is match vision with reality. Another thing is India’s diplomatic and security establishments must work in tandem if Delhi is to make a lasting impact in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. Given that the Indian Ocean channels carry two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments, a third of the bulk cargo and half of all container traffic, the region’s strategic significance is unquestionable. There are other nations like China and the United States with a strong interest and stakes in the region.

Modi's oceanic strategic vision is not bad. What is needed is strengthening of our naval capabilities. Only a nation with a strong navy will command respect as a maritime power that can match its words with actions.

Sometimes it appears that Modi is more concerned about boosting his own personal image rather than handling the foreign affairs of the country with due vision and drive. If this is the case, it will in no way help his future prospects. He has to do a lot of proper home work personally before venturing out. He needs to project himself as an able team leader instead of indulging in solo adventures.

India woke up very late to developments in its own backyard. While India, during its nascent days of Independence, opposed Diego Garcia and the efforts by the Voice of America (VOA) in Sri Lanka, it failed to read the Chinese intentions, or assess the importance of the (IOR’s) Indian Ocean Region's SLOCs (Sea Lanes of Communication) and the ways and means to protect them, protect its sphere of influence from the Horn of Africa to the Straits of Malacca. We neglected our Navy for far too long and even now are not according it the priority it deserves. We have to show imagination and a sustained approach to our IOR policy backed by a robust Navy.

Modi's recent tour of Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka came at an appropriate time. It came at a time when China is too eager to spread its tentacles in the Indian Ocean Region. It is very necessary that India take the leadership in IOR if it wishes to be a thriving economy. India must position itself to be the de-facto leader in this region by removing piracy, particularly near the Somalian coast.

To control Indian Ocean, India need to understand the Indian Ocean to win a Naval Warfare. It is not enough just to buy billions of dollars worth of naval weapons. It is necessary to design and manufacture them too. It is also better to plan and learn how to deal under all possible conditions. Only such moves will enable India to dominate in the Indian Ocean Region.