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Introduction

As the Indian Ocean emerges as a theatre of intense geopolitical competition, India’s leadership hinges on shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order. By integrating environmental stewardship with developmental partnerships, India can position itself as a trusted net security provider and growth catalyst.

Body

India’s Maritime Leadership in the Indian Ocean: Anchoring Sustainability with Inclusive Growth

• Blue economy focus: Promote fisheries, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology for shared prosperity.
  Eg: India’s Blue Economy policy vision.
• Climate resilience: Support island nations against sea-level rise through adaptation finance and technology.
• SAGAR doctrine: Advance “Security and Growth for All in the Region” through cooperative maritime security.
• Capacity building: Train regional maritime forces and administrators to enhance surveillance, disaster response, and governance capabilities.
• Sustainable ports: Develop green ports using renewable energy, efficient logistics, and low-emission shipping infrastructure.
  Eg: Sagarmala’s green port guidelines.
• Inclusive connectivity: Offer transparent, demand-driven maritime infrastructure as alternatives to debt-intensive connectivity models.
  Eg: India-Japan Asia-Africa Growth Corridor.
• Maritime commons protection: Lead collective action against piracy, illegal fishing, and marine pollution in shared waters.
• Multilateral norm-setting: Strengthen IORA and Quad platforms to promote rules-based, inclusive maritime governance.

Conclusion

India’s Indian Ocean leadership will endure only if power is balanced with purpose. By aligning maritime security with sustainability, inclusivity, and regional capacity-building, India can shape a resilient oceanic order, one that counters rivalry through cooperation and transforms the Indian Ocean into a shared engine of growth.

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