Oceanic Strategy: India and Other Powers in the Indian Ocean

This book introduces the concept of “oceanic strategy,” expanding beyond traditional maritime and naval perspectives to include political, economic, socio-cultural, and ecological dimensions. It highlights the Indian Ocean Region as a critical arena for global power competition, where the abundance of resources, strategic significance, and emerging interests have made it a new frontier for opportunity, growth, and conflict. By incorporating aspects like oceanic security, resource exploration, the blue economy, and hydrography, the book presents a broader view of strategic thought and the role of oceanic spaces in national and global geopolitics. Focusing on key players such as India, China, the US, and other traditional and emerging powers, the book analyses the reorientation of national interests and the intensifying struggle for dominance in the Indian Ocean. It argues that control over this region is crucial for attaining influence in 21st-century geopolitics. The work also addresses non-traditional security threats like piracy and transnational crime, situating the Indian Ocean at the heart of modern geopolitical discourse. This book is an essential resource for students and scholars of international relations, strategic studies, and political science, offering critical insights into the evolving power dynamics shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Region.