INDIA’S MARITIME SECURITY ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICAN ISLANDS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i4.2024.4126Abstract [English]
India's growing power in the Indian Ocean underscores the nation's essential role in maintaining regional stability and fostering international trade. The country has held a crucial role in enhancing security of African island nations by forming strong marine alliances with countries such as Mauritius and Seychelles, particularly through effective coastal surveillance and defense projects. The Indian Ocean, once known as a 'British Lake,' has evolved into an important global commerce route, connecting Eastern and Western economies via major choke points like the Suez Canal and the Malacca Strait. During the period of Cold War, the region experienced intense power struggles between the America and the Russia. Today, it remains a key arena for competition over resources, trade routes, and environmental challenges.
India's unique geographical position, which extends into the Indian Ocean, along with its expanding naval and military capability, provides a strategic advantage in influencing maritime governance in the respective region. The strategic design of the Indian Navy highlights the significance of naval power not only in safeguarding national interests but also in advancing wider diplomatic goals. As India's presence at sea expands, it will be crucial in taking care of regional peace, enhancing security, and ensuring the sustainable management of ocean resources.
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