India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean Region: A Critical Aspect of India’s Energy Security

Abstract

The Indian Ocean region serves as one of the busiest commercial as well as primary energy supply lines in the world. However, the energy traffic in the region is vulnerable to various strategic choke points. Any disruption caused either by sudden incidents or by sustained developments, thus, might create havoc for the entire global energy security. A unique geostrategic position has accrued India certain natural strategic advantages in the Indian Ocean. On the other hand, India depends essentially on the vital maritime energy supply lines in the region. Hence, ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean Region thus becomes India’s natural prerogative. India therefore needs to strategize its national maritime interest in the Indian Ocean as an uninterrupted energy supply is essential for national economic growth. This article seeks to identify the critical aspect of the Indian Ocean maritime supplies in India’s energy security and to find out India’s strategic imperative to that effect.