Though three recent developments in the region including piracy and terrorism are major challenges, New Delhi's conception of a suitable politico-strategic environment is fairly clear.
Recent developments in the Indian Ocean region demand attention. Look at a sample collection: Somali pirates, operating in waters off the Horn of Africa with impunity, are now coming closer to our coast; China has commissioned its first aircraft carrier; an Indian company's hydrocarbon exploration activity in Vietnam's waters is being contested by China; a former Japanese Prime Minister visiting Delhi calls for closer cooperation among “maritime democracies,” and every move by Beijing to cement its ties with our immediate neighbours is seen as vindication of the “string of pearls” theory.
India's ‘sea-blindness?'
These developments may seem baffling to northern India's land-centric view. Here, the combined legacy of Alexander and subsequent invaders who crossed the Himalayas is far more important than the rich history of the subcontinent's interaction, through the ocean route, with a vast region stretching from Aden to Bali. While a majority of people in the north have never seen a beach, people living south of the Vindhyas, especially in the southern States and on the east and west coasts, regard the Indian Ocean as a defining element of their destiny.
Having experienced India's centrality in the Indian Ocean region through visits to the Cape of Good Hope, Durban and Mombasa; Port Louis, Colombo and Gan — the southernmost island of Maldives; cities on Myanmar's southwestern flank and the coasts of Java and Bali, I am convinced that there can be no place for “sea-blindness” in our policymaking. Considerable scope, however, exists for developing a holistic approach if India wishes to cope with the challenges of the 21st century.
In order to fully appreciate the magnitude of our challenges, identifying recent trends in different subregions may be helpful.
The stakes in the area
In the western section of the Indian Ocean, three key developments, all negative from our viewpoint, are: piracy, terrorism, and the Chinese Navy's growing presence as part of the broader trend of China's expanding profile in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Piracy has attracted much attention and action. The Indian Navy has deservedly received considerable appreciation for its role in ensuring countermeasures. However, the expert opinion is that, in view of the expanding arc of piracy, much more needs to be done — on land, sea and elsewhere. On land, i.e. in Somalia — the epicentre of forces that gave birth to piracy — the Africans themselves have to resolve the issues, with more assistance from richer and deeply concerned member-states of the U.N. Action on the sea, ensuring the safety of maritime transport on which depends trade and energy security of so many countries, has to be taken by legitimate stakeholders. Action ‘elsewhere' should include measures that effectively reduce the attractiveness and sustainability of piracy as a flourishing industry.
Terrorism through the sea came knocking on India's doors on 26/11. Developments since then have augmented concern, not confidence. Experts worry about the security of our coastal cities, and offshore oil and gas installations. As regards Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean, they are no longer a subject of debate among think tanks. Governments have been factoring in the increased presence of the Chinese Navy. China's assertive approach in Africa contributed, at least partially, to renewed dynamism reflected in two India-Africa Forum Summits in three years.
Regarding India's immediate periphery, two key trends are now obvious. On the one hand, India's endeavour to promote cooperative bilateralism has begun to show positive results. On the other, Beijing continues to be ultra active in deepening its relations with principal South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, besides Pakistan — all located in the Indian Ocean region. These countries are happy playing both the ‘China card' and the ‘India card' to leverage their gains, but they need to promote the interests of South Asia as a whole too. In the eastern theatre of the Indian Ocean, the situation is becoming progressively complex and dangerous as a result of reverberations of China's aggressiveness in the South China Sea. While piracy and terrorism are manageable there, the critical question facing the subregion is: will China and its immediate neighbours ranging from Japan to Thailand chart a pattern of relations marked by cooperation or conflict? India has obviously immense stakes in the answer, and in contributing to the region's collective hopes for peace and stability. Fortunately, this subregion has an elaborate ASEAN-centric institutional architecture for dialogue and cooperation. Much hope is placed on the capability of these institutions to deliver effective results.
New Delhi's approach
New Delhi's conception of a suitable politico-strategic environment in the Indian Ocean is fairly clear. India wants neither a new cold war nor domination of the region by a single country. South Block rejects the view that an outside power is needed as “a sea-balancer” for the area. It envisages a region where stability and cooperation prevail, marked by maritime security for all and a collective ability to deal with sources of non-traditional security threats. Besides, India is set to enhance its hard power and also deploy soft power assets to deepen its links with littoral states.
In this context, several points are noteworthy. First, in the Indian Ocean's western region, India's effort has been to strengthen defence cooperation with island states — Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles, besides Maldives. This exercise, still in an early phase, could do with acceleration. Second, under the overall umbrella of the IBSA Dialogue Forum, cooperation among the navies of the three member-states — India, Brazil and South Africa — through joint exercises, training and strategising has been gaining momentum. The two previous trilateral exercises took place in Cape Town and Durban. The resultant synergy should guide these countries to engage other interested parties by holding more exercises on the eastern seaboard of Africa.
Third, since the western segment of the Indian Ocean has limited institutional arrangements for dialogue and cooperation compared to the eastern theatre, many believe it is time to reinvigorate the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). Bold words were uttered by the Ministry of External Affairs at a seminar in Delhi in May. They need to be matched by action with India as chair of this underutilised organisation.
Fourth, India's bilateral cooperation on strategic issues needs to be strengthened with seven countries in the eastern theatre — Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Australia. Some may term them a ‘potential necklace of diamonds.' However, the proposed cooperation among “maritime democracies” will merit consideration only if it is not a proxy for an anti-China alliance. For cementing collective endeavours to make the Indian Ocean and its periphery safe, India's preference should be to utilise the existing institutions, especially the East Asia Summit.
The way ahead
Diplomacy can help a country achieve its goals when if it is backed by strength. This time-tested dictum and a dispassionate study of the strategic environment drive India to provide the necessary resources for the modernisation of the Indian Navy. Admiral Vishnu Prakash, a retired Navy Chief, has made a persuasive case for this viewpoint, in a recent policy paper by the National Maritime Foundation. He urges India to develop and articulate “a maritime vision for itself and the neighbourhood.” His wise conclusion is: “The time has come for India to craft a new balance of power equation in order to safeguard its core interests and values.”
(The author is a former Ambassador.)
Keywords: maritime security, maritime cooperation, piracy, maritime trade, Indian Ocean
Two points are warranted. First, it is simply impossible for the navy of any country to protect a merchant ship from piracy. The only solution is every such ship should have its own integral complement of armed security personnel to fight the pirates. And second, what is India's policy apropos China in the context of International Relations? Do we wish to close ranks with China and improve relations or do we want to antagonise and alienate China as we are doing now with our deliberate umbrage in the highly sensitive South China Sea? The problem is, our UPA outfit surrendered our foreign policy to USA the day it took office some 7 years back and since then we have been faithfully carrying out Washington's diktat with the result that we have made more enemies than friends. Our mindless involvement in Afghanistan, our betraying Iran, and now our rubbing China the wrong way are all being directed by USA but have gone against our own standing in the world.
I wonder what would be our response or for that matter world community's response if these people were Caucasian or White? Africa has been neglected for decades and people from Africa are treated like animals.Shame on humanity! I wish India would stand-up and support people of africa to develop and sustain themselves so we dont see such pictures 20 years from now. Gandhiji would have!
The Indian Government, is lackadaisical, when it comes to protecting India, by sea. They have never learned simple lessons, from the 6th-8th, century onward, when Arabs ships dominated Indian seas: to later centuries when Portuguese, Dutch and British ships came into Indian Seas, to pound, burn and ravage, and pillage, India's precious resources. Their ship's cannon burned down wood and thatch villages and seaside villagers into blazing infernos, [read Vasco da Gama's travel history.]
Indian Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, are the bravest and best in the world, God Bless them. But the Government is the worst in the world, for caring, for it's Armed Personnel. Shame! Learn from the USA, Russia and China.
Lets not forget the "string of Pearls". If we dont move fast china's stranglehold is going to be there soon. Of all the string of pearls, the most dangerous one would be Sri Lanka. Will we ever get to see sethusamudram project? Will we ever get to see the new aircraft carrier in 2012? Our Babus work on absolutely no schedules, every decision tied down by red tapism and it takes years to take a decision. Just like the 126 fighter jets. Can we have some young educated people in MOD.
India must certainly make specific policies to tackle the growing influence of china in indian ocean with the coperation of important countries concerned.
It is long overdue that India develop navy bases and/or ports in
Lakshwadweep, Andaman, Mauritius, Madagascar, Myanmar, Vietnam,
Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), Timor Leste (East Timor) and Fiji. This is
essential to counter the western and chinese influence and threat of
sealanes and security.
The author has clearly missed out the big-powers' interest in the region of Indian Ocean. The US base of Diego Garcia and its military significance has not been factored in the discussion. Chinese interest in setting up military bases from Pakistan at Gwadar, in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Myanmar and Bangladesh and their influence on the military balance too goes mostly un-noticed. It merely receives a passing mention through: "Beijing continues to be ultra active in deepening its relations with principal South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, besides Pakistan". It is not merely 'deepening relations' but a visible efort to build up its military presence in these countries, much to the detriment of our interests.
Being an ambassador he is not given to calling a spade a spade. Our wise men in Delhi are deliberately trying to push the issue of Chinese violations into our territory from Arunachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand to Ladakh under the carpet. So much so the Army chief was advised by the Government not to un-necessarily mention these incursions that could ruffle Chinese feathers. Man Mohan Singh is on record having said, "We do not want to irritate the Chinese by bringing up the question of violations again and again" or words to this effect. What more evidence is needed of our political leadership's complete lack of will to take on such aggressive conduct. John F Kennedy had said in his inaugural address,"Aggressive conduct if permitted to go unchecked ultimately leads to war". Resolution of Cuban missle crisis of 1962 proves the truth of this axiom.
It is important that the maritime democracies form an economic and military alliance with the usual cover that the alliance is against no one. Free trade among the alliance and industry development among the alliance. The maritime democracies can later join the europe, Russia and north and South America again under the cover that the alliances are against no one. This is the best and effective way to keep the wild animal in the cage.
There are essentially two parts to this article. One pertaining to Somali piracy, and one, more importantly, pertaining to the general security of India on its maritime flanks. Let us consider the latter first. I agree with the author that diplomacy backed by strength, simply a military deterrent, would certainly help establish and maintain a balance of power in the region, with the proviso that there is no anti-China bias. There is no doubt, however, that if push comes to shove, most countries in Asia and Africa would choose to align with India rather than with China due to historical ties as well as the fact that India will be seen as less aggressive and manipulative. As far as the Somali piracy issues goes, yes, it is important to strike the issue at its heart. There is no doubt that the issues are essentially socio-economic in nature, aka 'complicated'. Yes, it is vital to render maritime piracy non-profitable, but the socio-economic problems of the Somali people must be addressed.
India need to focus on its coastal strategy as well as the border strategy.The growing impact of China in Indian ocean is visible to all as is the Chinese invasion in part of Kashmir & AnP.Though the dialogues between New Delhi and Beijing are going on from quite some time now but China hasn't stopped its activities both in land and in ocean. Developing the ports in all the countries around India is really a matter of concern for India. We can tackle with the piracy and terrorism but the Chinese threat is even bigger than these two combined. India should strengthen its foreign policy now to counter the growing influence of China in Indian Ocean waters. Also by including the navies of IBSA, we can build strategic relationships to counter the piracy in Gulf of Aden. For terrorism we need to take into confidence our coastal people and to educate them. So that in case there are some suspicious elements they should inform the coastal guards. Also the information network has to be developed.
What is the meaning of 'co-operation between maritime democracies is
worth pursuing only if it is not an anti-China alliance'? The whole
thing is becoming imperative only because of China! We could refrain
from saying so, but it is something everyone knows including China. All
these democracies want to come together because of China and the
distrust and fear of dominance that the Chinese regime inspires in
others. As long as China remains an unpredictable autocracy, other Asian countries will worry and rightly so.
The above article indicates a long overdue move by the Govt of India to move inthe direction of matters maritime. The importance of this cannot be lost sight of as historically we have lost our Independence to Invaders from the sea as against the attacks of Plunder mounted by Rag tag invades from the North.
What however matters more is the resolve on the part of Govt Of India to move resolutely in this direction to safeguard its National Interest. This howvever is manifested only in policy statements and pleasurable/muted voices over hostile statements of intent from China. The entire Indian Navy and Coast Guard at Today's forcelevels are like a drop in Indian Ocean. We therefore need to aggresively invest in our maritime forces to give them the means to ensure our National maritime aims. Regretfully this is the main concern plagued as it is with poor execution of new delivery of ships/equipment. Can we really have a World class maritime force capable of ensuring its Writ in IOR?
Piracy could be tackled easily provided Indian government focuses on strengthening of the coast guard vessel fleet. Politicians don't steal the public money and enjoy a life for which you will have to pay at a later stage instead spend that money on the activities like controlling piracy,terrorism etc.
Ambassador!
Please clarify which Naval chief you are refering to 'Vishnu Bhagwat' or 'Arun Prakash'.
Commodore PK Gupta Retd.
Indian company's hydrocarbon exploration activity in Vietnam's waters - South China sea. its a part of Pacific ocean and not in Indian ocean
An interesting article. For the common man, however, the worry is plain. It is that our sea defences are to be strengthened quantitatively and qualitatively. We have seen the other day a helicopter flying low landing in Maharashtra coast and leaving unnoticed. Explanations have been offered but not of substance that will quell public concerns. Down in the south, the TN fishermen face daily attacks by Sri Lankan Navy. More worrying is the unconcern of the UPA which is more engrossed in Pakistani-centred foreign and defence policy. China has gone as far as southern America. There are plans to build a parallel canal to Panama Canal. For the emerging economy like India, about which ministers and think tanks talk a lot, instances like the 26/11 terrorists merry landing in Gate Way of India and waking to a pub in Colaba, have drinks and start their shoot outs, the recent landing of helicopter in Maharashtra coast and the unconcern of Union Governmnent to the Sri Lankan mischief are worrisome.
I am very much an affected party in the business of piracy.Being a Chief engineer on board a tanker.Even as I type this we are heading to Nigeria which is as much if not more, a hot seat for Piracy and armed robbery. However having visited the Gulf Of Aden area multiple times under the sword of piracy- is by any stretch of imagination- an adventure. The last hijacking of an Italian ship just as it left the Japanese escort- goes to prove that much more needs to be done by way of this. Something tells me that even prevailing of good times in Somalia will not end this "concept" of piracy in The Indian Ocean.
The money is good with minimal risk. The armless ships are sitting ducks for the pirates who now don't only operate from skiffs , but from Mother ships. Even if not the Somalians- there will be terrorist groups in future for the lure of easy money.It is remarkably simpler than one thinks. I believe the Indian navy has made a good name and is generally feared by the pirates now.
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