Perspective- Indo-Pacific in Focus | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

India has a longstanding maritime legacy, evident through ancient sea ports and centuries of maritime exchanges that facilitated the transfer of goods, ideologies, and cultures globally. With a vast coastline spanning 7500 km and about 1200 islands, India has maintained a rich maritime tradition and a significant maritime presence. India's approach to fostering a stable maritime environment is epitomized in the vision of 'SAGAR' - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Shangrila Dialogue in Singapore in 2018, articulated the concept of the Indo-Pacific as a seamless continuum encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans from East Africa to the Western Pacific.

Indo-Pacific

• The Indo-Pacific, although a relatively recent concept, has gained substantial prominence over the past decade.
• This strategic concept underscores the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions.
• Encompassing a vast expanse from Africa to the Americas, the Indo-Pacific highlights India's pivotal role in global influences.
• As a multipolar region contributing over half of the world's GDP and population, it's seen as a significant area with considerable economic potential.
• The quest for a larger bloc arises from the region's substantial size, resource wealth, and potential for substantial economic growth.
• A "stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region" forms a crucial foundation for India's strategic partnership with the United States.
• The "Quad" group consisting of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia emphasizes the Indo-Pacific as a vital strategic domain.
• The concept acknowledges the strategic connectivity and common challenges between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

India’s Role/Approach

• India adopts an open, integrated, and balanced approach in its engagements within the Pacific, East Asia, and Southeast Asia regions.
• India's 'Act East Policy' aims to significantly enhance relations with Southeast Asia, emphasizing proactive engagement.
• India strategically utilizes trade and diplomacy as potent tools for its geopolitical aspirations.
• The 2004 Indian Maritime Doctrine indicated a transition in global maritime focus from the Atlantic-Pacific realm to the Pacific-Indian domain.
• India extends its security interests beyond the Indian Ocean, recognizing the Western Pacific as a critical area.

Significance of the Indo-Pacific Region

• India's involvement in the Indo-Pacific region is motivated by the pursuit of maintaining regional stability.
• Developing strong ties with the United States is viewed as a crucial strategy to bolster India's strategic standing.
• India's engagement in the Indo-Pacific is aligned with its long-term vision for safeguarding national interests.
• India's focus on the Indo-Pacific is driven by China's escalating presence in the Indian Ocean and its attempts to expand geopolitical influence through trade and military means.
• The significance of sea lane and port control has emerged as a crucial factor, with China leading its 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI).
• Participation in the Indo-Pacific region is aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation, adherence to a rules-based order, stable trade environments, and the preservation of free sea and air lanes while upholding international rules and norms.

ASEAN's Role in the Indo-Pacific

• Prime Minister Modi highlighted the pivotal role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in ensuring stability within the region, emphasizing its importance in the emerging Indo-Pacific landscape.
• India stresses ASEAN's centrality and unity as fundamental for upholding regional stability and promoting a rules-based order.
• A united ASEAN, backed by major powers, could act as a counterbalance to China's expansionist actions.
• Collaborative efforts among nations like India, the US, and Japan in infrastructure development and providing developmental support to ASEAN countries can mitigate their susceptibility to Chinese influence.

Challenges

• The Indo-Pacific region exhibits diversity in economic size, development levels, security capabilities, and resources, presenting complex challenges across economic, security, and environmental domains.
• China's keen observation of India's engagement, coupled with its military buildup in the South China Sea and territorial claims, poses significant challenges.
• Differences in India's vision and the US strategy for the Indo-Pacific are apparent, while China and Russia view the region with skepticism.

Conclusion

• The Indo-Pacific is becoming the economic and strategic epicenter globally, necessitating immediate action to reinforce an open, rules-based order to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
• ASEAN must form the foundational geographic core in the formation of any Indo-Pacific framework.
• India's buildup of naval capabilities is crucial for its substantial role in the Indo-Pacific arena.
• Maintaining a balance between the interests of all stakeholders is imperative for regional stability.
• Emphasizing commerce and connectivity is vital for India to capitalize on regional engagement opportunities in the Indo-Pacific.