Dr. K. K. Agnihotri, a distinguished Research Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation, delivered an insightful lecture on the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its implications for India’s maritime security. The session, held at the Naval War College in Goa, attracted defense strategists, naval officers, and scholars.
Dr. Agnihotri commenced by highlighting the IOR’s strategic significance, noting that over 80% of the world’s seaborne oil trade traverses its waters, with critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca playing pivotal roles. He emphasized the increasing presence of extra-regional powers, particularly China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, which involves developing a network of commercial and military bases in the IOR, potentially encircling India and challenging its maritime dominance.
Addressing non-traditional security threats, Dr. Agnihotri pointed to the resurgence of piracy, maritime terrorism, and illegal fishing activities. He lauded India’s proactive measures, such as Operation Sankalp, which has been instrumental in safeguarding maritime trade routes and ensuring the safety of Indian-flagged vessels.
Furthermore, Dr. Agnihotri underscored the importance of regional cooperation. He advocated for strengthening multilateral frameworks like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) to foster collaborative security efforts. He also highlighted the role of the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in enhancing maritime domain awareness through information sharing among partner nations.
In conclusion, Dr. Agnihotri stressed the need for India to bolster its maritime capabilities, both through indigenous developments like the commissioning of INS Vikrant and by forging strategic partnerships. He emphasized that a cohesive and collaborative approach is essential to navigate the complex geopolitical challenges of the IOR and to ensure the region’s stability and prosperity.
