The Indian Ocean as Cradle of a New Blue Economy
Context
- Indian Ocean hosts one-third of humanity and is among the most climate‑vulnerable ocean basins.
- Oceans face mounting stress due to climate change, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and IUU fishing.
- Article argues for India’s leadership in shaping a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean.
Historical Background: India & Ocean Governance
- Jawaharlal Nehru (1950s): Emphasised oceans as central to India’s security and prosperity.
- UNCLOS negotiations (1970s–80s):
- India aligned with small and vulnerable island states.
- Championed seabed beyond national jurisdiction as “Common Heritage of Mankind.”
- Demonstrates India’s tradition of equity-based global leadership in ocean affairs.
Present Challenges in the Indian Ocean
- Climate change impacts: Ocean warming, acidification, rising sea levels.
- Ecological degradation: Coral reef loss, biodiversity decline.
- IUU fishing: Undermines livelihoods and food security.
- Geopolitical framing: Excessive focus on naval rivalry and sea-lane security.
Need for a Blue Ocean Strategy
India should move from competition to cooperation, making the Indian Ocean a laboratory of sustainability rather than a theatre of rivalry.
Pillars of India’s Blue Ocean Strategy
1. Stewardship of the Commons
- Indian Ocean as a shared space, not a contested arena.
- Focus areas:
- Ecosystem restoration
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable fisheries
- Encourages cooperative ocean governance.
2. Resilience
- Address climate vulnerability through adaptation and preparedness.
- Proposal:
- Regional Resilience & Ocean Innovation Hub
- Strengthen ocean observation systems
- Improve early warning for disasters
- Technology transfer to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African coastal nations
- Regional Resilience & Ocean Innovation Hub
3. Inclusive Growth
- Blue economy as a development engine for all littoral states.
- Key sectors:
- Green shipping
- Offshore renewable energy
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Marine biotechnology
- Requires coordinated regional action and sustained investment.
Global Momentum for Blue Economy Finance
- Blue Economy & Finance Forum (Monaco, 2025):
- €25 billion existing pipeline
- €8.7 billion in new commitments
- Finance in Common Ocean Coalition:
- 20 public development banks
- Annual pledges of $7.5 billion
- COP30 (Belém, 2025):
- Launch of One Ocean Partnership
- Target: $20 billion for ocean action by 2030
India’s Proposal
- Creation of an Indian Ocean Blue Fund:
- Seeded by India
- Contributions from development banks, philanthropy, private sector
- Converts global pledges into regional projects
Security Through Sustainability
- Traditional security focus (naval power, sea lanes) is insufficient.
- Ocean insecurity originates from ecological collapse and climate stress.
- Key threats:
- IUU fishing
- Coastal erosion
- Extreme weather events
SAGAR Doctrine (2015)
- Articulated by PM Narendra Modi:
- Security and Growth for All in the Region
- Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, stability, and prosperity
Role of Indian Institutions
- Indian Navy & Coast Guard:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Disaster response
- Ecosystem monitoring
- Aligns security objectives with environmental stewardship.
India’s Strategic Narrative
- Shift from:
- Rivalry → Responsibility
- Dominance → Stewardship
- EAM S. Jaishankar:
- India’s approach is cooperative, consultative, and outcome‑oriented.
- Guiding principle:
- “From the Indian Ocean, for the World.”
India’s Historic Responsibility
- Indira Gandhi (Stockholm Conference, 1972):
- Development and environmental protection must go together.
- Reinforced at:
- COP30, Belém (2025)
- G20 Summit, Johannesburg
Emerging Global Governance Opportunities
- UNOC‑3 (Nice)
- COP30 (Belém)
- BBNJ Agreement (entered into force)
- 2026 identified as a pivotal year for ocean governance.
India’s Opportunities
- Ratification of BBNJ Agreement.
- Leadership in:
- Green shipping corridors
- Blue bonds
- Marine technology transfer
- Regulated ocean‑based carbon dioxide removal
- Platform: Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) chairmanship.
Conclusion
- Indian Ocean can become the cradle of a new blue economy.
- Requires:
- Vision aligned with finance
- Durable partnerships
- Equity‑based leadership
- Core message:
- Oceans are not frontiers to conquer but foundations of life.
- India’s leadership can demonstrate that cooperation can prevail over conflict.
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