India’s Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Vision

Why in News?

India’s strategic outlook in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is evolving into a multidimensional framework that combines maritime security, regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and emerging technology governance.

What is India’s maritime security and island diplomacy?

• Regional strategy – India’s engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean has become a crucial element of its regional strategy.
• Engagement with Seychelles – Seychelles and India emphasised cooperation in maritime security, climate solutions, the blue economy, and sustainable development.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that defence and maritime cooperation remain central pillars of India–Seychelles relations.

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Western Indian Ocean, holds strategic importance due to its proximity to vital shipping lanes.

• Nearly 80 % of India’s oil imports pass through the Indian Ocean, making the security of sea lanes of communication essential for India’s economic and energy security.
• In this context, island diplomacy plays a significant role.

Island diplomacy refers to a country’s strategic engagement with small island states through defence cooperation, economic assistance, climate support, and infrastructure development. India has supported Seychelles by providing patrol vessels, defence training, and capacity-building initiatives.

• Other areas of collaboration – Cooperation between the two countries also includes Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), coastal surveillance radar systems, and joint maritime security efforts.
• These initiatives strengthen the ability of small island states to monitor their waters, combat piracy, and prevent illegal fishing.
• India positions – India places itself as a net security provider in the region through initiatives aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision.
• This initiative builds upon the earlier SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine announced in 2015.
• Such engagement also helps India maintain its influence in the IOR amid increasing involvement of extra-regional actors and China’s growing presence.

What is India’s act east policy and the Malaysia connection?

• Malaysia – It is a key partner for India in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions and is strategically located near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
• India and Malaysia – They elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.
• Such partnerships involve cooperation across multiple sectors including defence, trade, technology, education, and institutionalised high-level dialogues.
  • Seychelles represents India’s strategic engagement in the Western Indian Ocean.
  • Malaysia reflects its expanding outreach towards Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy
• PM visit – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia from February 7–8, 2026 further strengthened bilateral ties.
• One of the major outcomes of the visit was the consolidation of security cooperation aimed at promoting a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring freedom of navigation.

India’s Act East Policy, launched in 2014 as an evolution of the Look East Policy of 1992, seeks deeper economic, political, and strategic integration with ASEAN countries.

• In this context, India and Malaysia are expanding cooperation in defence exchanges, digital economy initiatives, trade facilitation, and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Other collaborations – Particularly significant is collaboration in semiconductors and digital infrastructure, which indicates India’s attempt to integrate into ASEAN’s manufacturing and supply-chain networks.
• Supply-chain diversification has become a major strategic concern after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• By strengthening ties with Malaysia, India also aims to attract Malaysian investments and position itself as a major investment destination.

What is the technology diplomacy and global digital governance of India?

• India’s position – Alongside maritime and economic engagement, India is increasingly positioning itself as a leader in global digital governance and emerging technologies.
• Critical technologies – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping governance systems, military capabilities, and global economic structures.
• The AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi from February 16–20, 2026 demonstrated India’s growing role as a convening power in global AI governance discussions.
• General Concerns – AI ethics, data sovereignty, algorithmic accountability, and regulatory frameworks are becoming central to international politics.
• India’s experience with digital public infrastructure, including platforms such as Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and digital service delivery systems, has drawn global attention.
• These initiatives provide a scalable and affordable model for developing countries seeking technological advancement without excessive dependence on external actors.
• By promoting inclusive AI and digital governance, India seeks to present itself as a bridge between advanced economies and developing countries.
• This approach strengthens India’s position as a representative voice of the Global South in debates surrounding technology governance.

What is India’s multidimensional strategy in the Indian Ocean region?

• Comprehensive strategy – India’s engagement in the Indian Ocean Region is no longer confined to traditional maritime security.
• Instead, it reflects a comprehensive strategy that integrates defence cooperation, economic connectivity, technological partnerships, and digital governance.
• Island diplomacy with Seychelles – This strengthens India’s maritime presence in the Western Indian Ocean.
• Other regional engagements – Deeper engagement with Malaysia and ASEAN reinforces India’s strategic position in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
• Global level – leadership in digital governance and AI regulation enhances India’s diplomatic influence.

What lies ahead?

• India’s evolving approach to the Indian Ocean Region demonstrates a coherent vision that combines security, connectivity, and technological leadership.
• Through maritime cooperation with island nations, strategic partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, and proactive engagement in global digital governance, India is strengthening its regional influence while also positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South in shaping the emerging international order.

Reference

The Indian Express| IOR vision of India