The absence of an over-arching vision which views the Indian Ocean region (IOR) in a long-term perspective has led to the neglect of maritime issues critical to India’s vital interests. Discuss (200 words)
Refer – The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
Lack of Vision
· India has shown no tangible signs of long-term security planning, as evident from a total absence of defence white papers or security doctrines to date.
· The navy did spell out, in 2004-05, its own vision of India’s maritime interests and challenges through a maritime doctrine and a maritime strategy.
· But, in the absence of higher strategic guidance in the form of a national-level document, they are of limited utility.
· The contributory factors to such lost vision will be the lack of political resolve and diplomatic lassitude.
· It is the absence of an over-arching vision which views the IOR in a long-term perspective has led to the neglect of maritime issues critical to India’s vital interests.
Cost of such lost vision
· The Chabahar port project should have been completed long ago, notwithstanding US sanctions.
· The offer of Agalega Islands (Mauritius) should have been taken up years ago.
· The Maldives imbroglio should have been pre-empted if diplomats should have picked up early signs of the Maldives slipping out of India’s ambit.
· Our disregard of distant Mozambique and Madagascar remains a huge maritime “missed opportunity”.
· The IOR strategic agenda may be soon taken out of India’s hands as the chairmanship of two important bodies, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) devolves on the UAE and Iran respectively.
Recent positive developments
· India’s recent agreement with Oman providing access, for “military use and logistical support” in the new Port of Duqm.
· President of India’s visit to Djibouti and its impending recognition by India.
· The conclusion of an Indo-Seychelles agreement for creation of air and naval facilities on Assumption Island.
· The agreement with the UAE for joint naval exercises.
· The above measures raised hopes that India is, belatedly, strengthening its maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
· Its success depends on whether they are random actions or part of a coherent Indian maritime grand strategy.
