Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, a new report has advised India to take the lead by further strengthening its maritime surveillance and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). According to the report of Bulgaria-based think-tank Modern Diplomacy, the littoral countries connected to the Indian Ocean should no longer be limited to just traditional or non-traditional security cooperation, but it is necessary to create a strong and coordinated framework for the security of the shared maritime area.
The report said that India should increase persistent surveillance in collaboration with neighboring countries through regional forums like Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). The report said that India, being the strongest military power in the region, can lead this cooperation.
According to the report, the effect of the recent tension related to America, Iran and Israel is now visible in the Indian Ocean. This has also posed a threat to energy security and has affected many countries.
Two incidents are specifically mentioned in the report:
These incidents have been considered a warning for India's maritime sector.
Danger signs directly in the field for the first time
The report says that the Indian Ocean has been relatively peaceful for decades, but now the impact of major conflicts has started reaching the region. It is clear from this that regional countries will have to come together and create a strong security system to deal with any crisis.
India's role is important
The report emphasizes that India is a strong power in the Indian Ocean and must strengthen its role in the Indian Ocean region and establish itself as a reliable security partner.
India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, which has been upgraded as MAHASAGAR in 2025, requires strong military capabilities along with policy initiatives to make it successful.
The report clearly indicates that the Indian Ocean is no longer completely safe in the changing global situation. In such a situation, India needs to increase regional cooperation, strengthen surveillance and intensify military preparations.
