INDO – PACIFIC REGION
The term ‘Indo-Pacific’ refers to the maritime space stretching from the littorals of East Africa and West Asia, across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean, to the littorals of East Asia. With various countries and international forums using the term Indo Pacific in their official statements, it is gaining currency in recent times.
Examples of recent shift to Indo-Pacific
- India has set up an Indo-Pacific Wing in the Ministry of External Affairs in 2019.
- Recent ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
- Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Australia.
- Indo – Pacific Strategy = Put forward by USA
Why there is a shift from Asia-Pacific to Indo- Pacific
- Economic “Center of Gravity”: Countries in the Indo-Pacific region produce over 60% of global GDP, making the region the largest single contributor to global growth.
- Counter China: It helps containing the expansionism of China and its assertiveness, especially in the region of South China Sea.
- Important Sea lanes of Communication: Malacca strait is located in this region, resulting in intersection of International trade. 40% of global exports pass from this region.
- Energy security: Rich region in terms of natural resources like fisheries, oil and gas as well as mineral resources.
- Example: Polymetallic nodules are available at the bottom of the Central Indian Ocean
- Rising India’s Clout: India is seen as counterweight to China and a net security provider in Indian Ocean Region.
- Blue Economy: Indo Pacific has become an important region for maritime security, trade, connectivity and important tool to promote Blue Economy.
India’s benefits/role in Indo-Pacific Region
- Vision: Open, integrated and balanced approach.
- Act East Policy: Substantial improvement of India’s relations with Southeast Asia
- Energy security: Example: ONGC Videsh Ltd is prospecting for oil and gas in the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam, Deep Ocean Mission for manganese nodules
- Naval Exercises: India conducts many naval exercises with the United States, countries of ASEAN, Japan, Korea and Vietnam
- Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements
- United States, India issued strategic vision for the Indian ocean and the Pacific in which maintaining the security in the South China Sea, was also mentioned
- India has been given a role in “Indo-Pacific Strategy”
The Indo-Pacific region has become the key contest between India and China. India with the support of the QUAD can help maintain the area to be free and open, also the region will test India’s emerging power and diplomatic credentials.