Maritime Security Cooperation in Indian Ocean: Prospects and Way Ahead for IORA

Author: M Khaled Iqbal
DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v7-i1-1056
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Abstract

The Indian Ocean is home to one fifth of the world's water bodies and is rich in a range of biological and mineral resources. It is one of the busiest maritime routes in the entire planet. Therefore, it is essential to protect the ecosystem and the natural resources of this ocean. The Indian Ocean has historically been a region of great collaboration, but on the other hand, it has been also blighted by mistrust. Despite the Indian Ocean Region being a significant and heavily used ocean space on which most of the global trade depends, there is insufficient cooperation between the littoral states to ensure the water body is safe. This paper examines the necessity of maritime security cooperation in Indian ocean for the betterment of the whole region. In fact, there are numerous ways to cooperate on maritime security in the Indian Ocean, including by utilizing shared resources, capabilities and expertise. The Indian Ocean's users and the littoral states can both be harmed by non-traditional security risks, which can be eliminated with mutual cooperation. Specifically Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the only pan-Indian ocean organization has significant roles to play in eliminating the security risks and bringing the countries of the Indian ocean and other extra-regional players closer for effective collaboration in future.