SAGAR: Indian Ocean

GS-PAPER-2 India Ocean security

Recently, India was admitted to Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) as an observer member. This development is one of the steps in India’s strategic vision (SAGAR) for the Indian Ocean.

In 2015, India unveiled it's strategic vision for the Indian Ocean i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). It is an increasing recognition of the increasing importance of maritime security, maritime commons and cooperation.

Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. For this, India would cooperate on the exchange of information, coastal surveillance, the building of infrastructure and strengthening their capabilities.

Further, India seeks to safeguard its national interests and ensure the Indian Ocean region becomes inclusive, collaborative and respects international law.

Need: Blue Economy

The blue economy presents India with an unprecedented opportunity to meet its national socio-economic objectives (livelihood generation, achieving energy security, building ecological resilience etc.) as well as strong connectivity with neighbours.

Apart from it, the blue economy provides many opportunities:

• Oceans provide a substantial portion of the global population with food and livelihood, as well as transportation for 80% of global trade.
• The seabed currently provides 32% of the global supply of hydrocarbons, with exploration expanding. The sea also offers vast potential for renewable blue energy production from wind, wave, tidal, thermal and biomass sources.
• New technologies are opening frontiers of marine resource development from bio-prospecting to mining of seabed mineral resources (poly-metallic nodules).

Tackling Regional Issues

• There is a need to strengthen efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in wake of natural disasters and counter non-state actors engaged in piracy and terrorism.
• Further, India seeks an integrated approach and cooperative future, which will result in sustainable development for all in the region.

Checking Chinese Influence

• China through its maritime silk route (part of the BRI initiative) has been increasing its influence in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
• Moreover, Chinese investments in India's neighbouring countries are of dual nature i.e commercial with military underpinnings. The string of pearls has caused strategic concerns for India.
• In this context, SAGAR vision assumes much importance in countering such issues.

Significance of SAGAR Vision

• SAGAR provides a mechanism for India to expand strategic partnerships with other IOR littorals in Asia and Africa.
• SAGAR indicates the leadership role and responsibilities India is ready to play in the region on a long-term basis in a transparent manner through its capacity-building and capability enhancement programs.
• The key relevance of SAGAR emerges when seen in conjunction with India’s other policies impacting the maritime domain like Act East Policy, Project Sagarmala, Project Mausam, India as ‘net security provider’, focus on Blue Economy etc. This symbolises India’s maritime resurgence, as maritime issues are now the centre of India’s foreign policy.
• With the effective implementation of all these policies, India can act as an enabler to create a positive environment in the IOR.

Associated Challenges

• The ‘Global Commons’ approach (everyone’s property is no one's responsibility) to using marine resources, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction, with no oversight on issues of governance, access and benefit sharing. It poses a risk for overexploitation of marine resources.
• SAGAR Vision has created engagement of multiple players, the duplication of actions, and regional dependence on international navies.

Way Forward

Formulating a Governance Framework

• A regional legally-binding instrument concerning marine genetic resource governance including issues of access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS), is to be concluded within the framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). Further, there is a need to identify options and areas for designating as special ecologically and biologically sensitive areas to ensure such areas receive additional protection and sustainable management provisions.

Focusing on Regional Organisation

• India must focus on the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). IORA's mandate is to promote sustainable growth and balanced development in the region. IORA needs to consider a special regional cooperation programme on Blue Economy.
• Recently, India has been granted observer status in Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). India can learn from IOC Bottom-up regionalism.

Conclusion

India’s consultative, democratic and equitable leadership can help achieve Security and sustainable growth for all in the region. Apart from it, India must also lead in ensuring Sustainability and Growth for All in the Region.