Indian Ocean Conference Indian Ocean Security Concerns.

Overview

The 9 th Indian Ocean Conference was convened in Mauritius where the stakeholders of the world deliberated on the burning geopolitical and economic issues. India once again protested against civilian and commercial shipping attacks in the current conflict in West Asia, and demanded stability and de-escalation.

Important Conference Developments.

India emphasized the grave consequences of instability in the region to energy security, trade routes, and fertilizer supply chains in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It emphasized the need to have a safe and continuous sea transport. Bangladesh suggested the rejuvenation of SAARC in order to strengthen regional cooperation and the absence of Maldives delegates was a sign of the continued diplomatic tensions between Mauritius and Bangladesh over the Chagos Islands.

India–Mauritius Cooperation

India also took a step on the fringes of the conference by signing an energy agreement with Mauritius to provide oil and gas. This move is set to enhance energy security of the island country as well as the bilateral relationship, especially amid the global uncertainty.

Importance of the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Ocean Region is a strategically important region with a total of more than 70 million sq. km and with a significant portion of the global trade being conducted. It links over 35 littoral states and sustains almost half the world population. India is one of the key net security providers with its vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Strategic Significance of the Conference.

The conference was initiated in 2016 by the India Foundation and has become an important opportunity to discuss the issues between more than 40 nations. It fosters collaboration of maritime security, economic growth and stability of the region in the Indo-Pacific.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• 9 th Indian Ocean Conference, Mauritius.
• Concentrate on West Asia war and sea security.
• SAGAR: Vision of maritime cooperation in India.
• Major global trade and energy routes are managed by IOR.
• India is a net security provider in the region.

Practice Questions (with Answers)

Q1. In which country was the 9th Indian Ocean Conference?
Answer: Mauritius.

Q2. What is the meaning of SAGAR?
Response: Security and Growth of the Region of All.

Q3. What is important about the Indian Ocean Region?
Answer: It is a huge international trade and energy transit.

Q4. Which nation demanded a re-energising of SAARC in the conference?
Answer: Bangladesh.