Authors: Naval Pande
Abstract: The Indian Ocean has emerged as one of the most strategically significant maritime spaces in the contemporary world because it connects major energy corridors, commercial sea-lanes, and densely populated littoral regions. This paper examines how maritime security, trade routes, and strategic competition have turned the Indian Ocean into a crucial arena of 21st century geopolitics. It argues that the region can no longer be understood merely as a transit zone for global commerce; rather, it has become a contested political space where naval expansion, port infrastructure, connectivity projects, and regional diplomacy are reshaping the balance of power. The study focuses on key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Malacca, whose security directly affects international trade, energy supply, and regional stability. It further analyzes the growing involvement of India, China, the United States, and other Indo-Pacific actors in the region, paying special attention to questions of sea control, maritime influence, and strategic access. At the same time, the paper highlights the concerns of smaller littoral states, whose economic interests and security anxieties are often overshadowed by great-power competition. By linking strategic studies with economic and regional perspectives, the paper aligns with the conference objective of promoting global dialogue and interdisciplinary inquiry into contemporary challenges. It contends that a stable Indian Ocean order will depend not only on military capability, but also on cooperative security frameworks, respect for international maritime norms, and inclusive regional engagement. The paper ultimately seeks to show that the future of the Indian Ocean will be shaped as much by dialogue and diplomacy as by competition and force.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19230933
