Western Indian Ocean

Why in the news?

Western Indian Ocean is emerging as a key region for US-India Indo-pacific cooperation.

About Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR)

• It stretches from the east coast of Africa to the western shores of India. 
• It comprises Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania (Eastern African coastal states), Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles (island states) and French territories (Mayotte and Reunion).

Significance of Western Indian Ocean 

• Trade and Transportation: WIOR comprises major trade routes and choke points such as Cape of Good Hope, Mozambique Channel etc.
  • E.g., Mozambique Channel carries about 30% of the global oil trade.
• Cornerstone of Indo-Pacific Cooperation: The real-time information exchange through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), multilateral frameworks like Quad, etc. make the WIO a critical area for Indo-Pacific Cooperation.
• Ocean assets: The region offers economic prospects such as offshore oil and gas reservoirs and fisheries.
  • The economic value of ocean-related activities in the Western Indian Ocean, the “gross marine product”, is estimated at US$20.8 billion annually. 

Significance of WIOR for India 

• Strategic Location: The WIOR's strategic location can bridge the gap between the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, fostering cooperation through initiatives like India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
• Countering Chinese influence: India has a military base in Madagascar & is working with Mauritius to set up a military base on Agalega Island, which are critical to neutralize growing Chinese advances in WIOR. 
• Blue Economy: WIO with its immense natural resources can contribute to the success of India’s Deep Ocean Mission and Blue Economy 2.0 Initiatives. 
• Energy Security: WIO provides connectivity to key trade routes like the Suez Canal which are essential for India's energy security.
  • 90 % of the energy trade happens through Indian Ocean mainly through Suez Canal. 
• Net security provider: India's engagement in the WIO region can help enhance India's image and influence as a regional power.

Challenges in WIOR

• Emerging Maritime Threats:  Like maritime piracy, smuggling of exotic flora and fauna, illegal carrying of weapons, drug trafficking, unauthorized fishing, human trafficking etc.
  • E.g., the recent rise in pirate attacks off Somalia's coast. 
• Climate Change Impacts: The region is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events.
• Chinese Debt Trap: High debts have put several fragile economies in East Africa like Kenya at an increased risk of default, raising concerns about undue Chinese influence. 
• Militarization: The presence of external powers in WIOR may undermine regional stability, ferment tensions, and undermine collective efforts to provide security at sea.
  • E.g., US, and China both have military base at Diego Garcia, and Djibouti respectively. 

Conclusion

The Western Indian Ocean region is rapidly emerging as a critical nexus of geopolitical and economic activity. However, there is a need to enhance Maritime Security through measures such as joint naval exercises, information sharing, capacity building etc. Further joint research can be conducted on the impacts of climate change on the WIO region and develop adaptation strategies. India can utilize multilateral forums like the Indian IORA and Quad to promote regional cooperation and further strengthen bilateral relations with WIO countries.