Q. The Bay of Bengal is emerging as the strategic fulcrum of India's Indo-Pacific vision. Examine the significance of the SHANTI framework in transforming the region from a zone of competition into one of cooperative maritime governance. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Directions: Intro---- Significance + Transforms Competition into Cooperation-------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe briefly about the Bay of Bengal & Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity (SHANTI) framework.
Main Body
Significance of the SHANTI framework
- Shared Maritime Security – Enhances Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) coordinated patrols, anti-piracy operation.
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) – Enhance Joint disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and coordinated response.
- Advancement through Sustainable Development – Blue Economy, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity conservation, and ocean-based economic growth.
- Navigation & Connectivity – Integrates ports, shipping, multimodal transport, and digital connectivity through initiatives such as BIMSTEC, India's Act East Policy, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Technology and Capacity Building – Sharing of satellite data, hydrography, digital navigation, scientific research, etc.
- Inclusive & Institutional Cooperation – Encourages collaboration among all Bay of Bengal littoral states and supports BIMSTEC, IORA, ASEAN and rules-based maritime order.
How does SHANTI transform competition into cooperation?
- Builds trust through institutional dialogue.
- Balances strategic competition by prioritising issue-based cooperation.
- Strengthens regional resilience against climate change and non-traditional security threats.
- Promotes prosperity through trade, connectivity, and the Blue Economy.
- Supports a rules-based maritime order, peaceful dispute resolution, and freedom of navigation.
- Complements India's SAGAR doctrine and enhances India's role as a net security provider.
- Places regional ownership over external power politics, giving littoral states greater action in maritime governance.
Conclusion:
Conclude in a positive way by linking bay of Bengal, the SHANTI framework and India’s role.
