This book deals with the various interdisciplinary issues of the Indian Ocean, individually and collectively, such as its history, geography, nautical elements, economics, trade routes (old and new), blue economy, deep-sea mining, fisheries management, tourism, scourge of piracy, pollution, Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and the different perspectives of its littoral countries on geopolitics, international law, international relations and maritime partnerships. It is the most important ocean in the world – 33% of the global population lives in the area and 50-60% of the world’s maritime trade transits through it. In addition, around 60% of global oil, and 26% of global gas reserves, along with pristine beaches are located here. To comprehend the interdisciplinary issues, the editor embarked on a voyage to discover, persuade and collaborate with exceptionally brilliant, influential experts from prominent littoral countries – India, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore – with relevant experience to expound the above subject areas. In addition, geopolitical conflicts/hostilities and trade wars are on the rise; war seems inevitable but not imminent. Any conflict is likely to originate in other oceans and seas but will end up impacting the Indian Ocean’s littoral countries. Accordingly, these countries must comprehend the interdisciplinary issues and the special role of the Indian Ocean to prevent all-encompassing wars/hostilities from widening at a global level and thereafter must flesh out plans to shield themselves. They must also understand the area’s role in working towards global peace by comprehending the above interdisciplinary issues. The role of the Indian Ocean in global peace can only be achieved through maritime partnerships between its littoral countries, and their avoidance of impulses to invite outside power(s) to balance each other’s power. However, maritime partnerships are easier said than done. At the very least, the maritime partnership between two major Indian Ocean littoral powers – India and Indonesia – is critical to shield the region from geopolitical firestorms. Hopefully, this maritime partnership’s tactic of embracing a carrot-and-stick approach will eventually persuade global powers from outside the Indian Ocean region to improve their conduct to achieve global peace.

It is a privilege to introduce the reader to this book, as I believe that it will make a signi?cant contribution to, given the dif?culties in the knowledge of the Indian Ocean, developing cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. There have been numerous failed efforts at regional cooperation in different fora in the Indian Ocean. As a result of the land-based orientation of the people in the region, the importance for countries to develop the power to govern the sea has largely been ignored. The maritime approach taken by Manoj Gupta to the Indian Ocean as a region in international relations offers a timely and critical assessment of the potential for regional cooperation and ocean governance. The political leadership in the region can no longer ignore the need for coop- ation in maritime affairs in the Indian Ocean. This book enriches the literature on Indian Ocean issues as it argues convincingly that the security of nations, economic well-being of the people and health of the Indian Ocean cannot be divested from one another. All are fundamentally dependant on the ability of the countries in the region to individually and collectively exert the power to govern the sea.

This up-to-date analysis of the major political issues associated with the Indian Ocean region examines recent developments in South Asia, the Gulf, and Africa and their effect on Indian Ocean security matters and politics. Regional perspectives on the problems of the area are assessed, as are the roles played by the major external powers with regional interests-the United States, the Soviet Union, and France-and such international organizations as the United Nations. Nine of the chapters grew out of the International Conference on Indian Ocean Studies held in Perth, Australia, in August 1979. Three additional chapters were commissioned to ensure a comprehensive view of the issues discussed. This collaboration by recognized authorities is sure to become a standard reference in the field.

This book analyses the emergence of the Indian Ocean as security complex and a strategic space of central importance and also looks at its prospective future. As well as US-China rivalry, the India-China rivalry is now the defining factor in the Indian Ocean – irrespective of the strategic asymmetry. This new situation has opened a space for middle-powers, old and new, to intervene. The authors argue that this situation may turn into an additional source of instability and that the creation of an inclusive and comprehensive regional security architecture, as well as the strengthening of regional multilateralism, should be the priority of all stakeholders in the coming decade.

This Book Discusses And Analyses Issues Like: Does The End Of Super-Power Rivalry Brighten The Peace Prospects In The Indian Ocean Region? If The Super-Power Rivalry Provided A Balancing Factor, Does Its Absence Imply Surfacing Of Regional Conflicts And Hegemonising Attempts By Regional Powers? Also Discussed Are The Global Scenario, Local Conditions In The States In The Region, The Demands For Restructuring Of The Prevailing Political And Constitutional Arrangements Under Pressure From Local Forces, And The Challenge To The Structure Of Power Distribution Designed By External Powers From Forces Internal To The Indian Ocean.