19 March 2025 Indian Express Editorial


What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 : The Ocean Front

Context: India must act as a unifier in the Indian Ocean Region

 

Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

  • Institutional Deficits
    1. Historically lacked cohesive forums for dialogue or security architecture due to diversity and chauvinistic self-interest.
    2. Failed regional organizations (e.g. SAARC, BIMSTEC) and diluted focus due to competing priorities like the Indo-Pacific paradigm.
  • US Indo-Pacific Shift: Redirected global attention away from IOR-centric initiatives, complicating India’s efforts to prioritize regional unity.

 

India’s Diplomatic Initiatives in the Region

  • Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
    1. Launched in 2016 by MEA and India Foundation to implement SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
    2. Gains traction as a consultative forum, addressing regional security, economic, and environmental challenges.
  • EAM Jaishankar’s Address in Muscat (2023)
    1. Highlighted challenges such as Middle East conflicts (Houthi threats to shipping) and South China Sea tensions.
    2. Stressed adherence to agreements and stability as key to regional predictability.

 

Role of the Indian Navy in Maritime Diplomacy

  • 2007 Maritime Strategy: Envisions naval power as a tool to support foreign policy, blending soft power with strategic influence.
  • Key Contributions
    1. Humanitarian Assistance (HADR): Rapid response during the 2004 Asian Tsunami, evacuations in conflict zones (e.g., Yemen, Ukraine).
    2. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Real-time traffic monitoring and collaboration with Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
    3. Security Patrols: Safeguarding EEZs of island nations against poaching and smuggling.

 

Debates on Military Power in Foreign Policy

  • Strategic Arguments
    1. Critics advocate greater military integration in foreign policy to advance India’s great-power ambitions.
    2. Current reliance on soft power (e.g. yoga, Bollywood) seen as insufficient for global influence.
  • Systemic Limitations
    1. Lack of Coordination: Delays due to poor MoD-MEA synergy.
    2. Resource Gaps: Need for amphibious lift capabilities, hospital ships, and dedicated HADR funding.

 

Way Forward: Recommendations for Enhancing Maritime Diplomacy

  • Capacity Building
    1. Invest in HADR infrastructure (e.g. amphibious vessels, medical ships).
    2. Expand MDA networks to cover more IOR nations.
  • Policy Reforms
    1. Adopt a whole of government approach to integrate military, diplomatic, and bureaucratic efforts.
    2. Formalize a National Security Strategy to guide maritime diplomacy.

 

Conclusion: Maritime diplomacy offers tools for conflict prevention, soft power projection, and regional leadership. Indian Navy’s proactive role positions India as a first responder and preferred security partner. India’s success hinges on aligning naval capabilities with foreign policy goals under a unified strategic vision.