India’s Leadership Role in the Sustainable Indian Ocean Blue Economy

India’s Vision for the Indian Ocean

India’s Leadership Role in the Sustainable Indian Ocean Blue Economy: India views the Indian Ocean as a shared and inclusive maritime commons rather than a zone of rivalry. This outlook is reflected in the vision “From the Indian Ocean, for the World,” which emphasizes collective prosperity and sustainability.

The approach aligns with India’s broader maritime diplomacy, which stresses cooperation, capacity building, and rule-based order. India positions itself as a net security provider and development partner for littoral and island states.

Static GK fact: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, covering nearly 20% of the Earth’s water surface.

Growing Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region

Climate change poses severe risks to the region’s marine ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise threaten coastal settlements and island nations.

Ecological stress is intensified by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which depletes fish stocks and undermines food security. Coral reef degradation further weakens marine biodiversity.

Socio-economic stability is also under strain. Storm surges, coastal erosion, and declining fish catch erode livelihoods, especially in small island and coastal communities dependent on marine resources.

Static GK fact: Coral reefs support nearly 25% of marine biodiversity despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.

India’s Blue Ocean Strategy

India’s blue economy strategy must rest on cooperative management. The focus should be on biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, ecosystem restoration, and maritime security as a shared responsibility.

The MAHASAGAR Doctrine provides a guiding framework by promoting collective growth, maritime cooperation, and respect for international law in the Indian Ocean region.

Climate resilience is another priority area. India can lead by establishing a Regional Resilience and Ocean Innovation Hub to strengthen early warning systems, ocean observation networks, and disaster preparedness across the region.

Inclusive growth forms the economic pillar of the strategy. Sectors such as green shipping, offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, and marine biotechnology can generate jobs while reducing ecological stress.

Static GK Tip: Offshore wind energy potential in India is highest along the Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts.

Leveraging Global Financial Momentum

India can harness emerging global finance mechanisms to support ocean sustainability. Platforms like the Blue Economy and Finance Forum 2025 highlight the growing convergence of finance and marine governance.

The One Ocean Partnership, launched at COP30, aims to mobilize $20 billion for ocean action by 2030. India can act as a regional conduit to align these funds with Indian Ocean priorities.

Creating an Indian Ocean Blue Fund would enable targeted investment in regional conservation, resilience infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods.

Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean for India

The Indian Ocean is vital to India’s economic security. Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume and 68% by value passes through these sea lanes.

India’s energy security is deeply linked to the region, with almost 80% of crude oil imports transported by sea. Disruptions here directly affect national stability.

India also has vast marine resources. With an EEZ of 2.02 million sq km and a coastline of about 11,000 km, captured fisheries reached 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023–24.

Security concerns include non-traditional threats like smuggling, human trafficking, and maritime terrorism, highlighted by incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Static GK fact: India has exclusive rights to explore polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin under international seabed arrangements.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India’s Leadership Role in the Sustainable Indian Ocean Blue Economy: