Is Peace and Stability in the Indian Ocean Crucial for Economic Growth?

New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) As the geopolitical landscape in the Indian subcontinent shifts rapidly, experts on Friday stressed the vital importance of ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean to foster economic and sustained growth.

This discussion took place during a one-day conference on the “MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) Initiative,” hosted by the independent think tank Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi.

Participants emphasized the strategic significance of maritime territories while also raising concerns about environmental and economic challenges arising from geopolitical uncertainties in the region.

They further examined the complexities of maritime security, particularly against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam.

Retired Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, underscored the strategic relevance of the Indian Ocean amid regional instabilities.

“Countries, not just armed forces, engage in warfare. The recent events have shown a collective national response, and India stands ready to defend itself if necessary,” Dhowan stated.

Commending Operation Sindoor, Dhowan pointed out the increasing threats in the area, which include maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, and other emerging non-traditional challenges that require comprehensive solutions.

Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation, emphasized the growing role of the maritime sector in future national growth strategies.

“Our focus must be on ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean, as it is essential for economic and sustainable growth. The ‘G’ in MAHASAGAR symbolizes sustained and holistic growth, while the ‘R’ represents the region, reminding us of our collective responsibility across the Indian Ocean and in the Global South,” he noted.

Dhowan also highlighted the necessity for a cleaner and safer maritime future, extending the principle of Swachh Bharat to the oceans through what he called ‘Swachh Sagar’—a cleaner sea for future generations.

“The issue of garbage dumping has severely affected the Indian Ocean. We need collective actions to tackle ocean dumping, plastic waste, and pollution-induced climate change,” he added.

The conference aimed at forming actionable recommendations to enhance India’s maritime strategies through dialogues and collaborations among policymakers, academicians, and experts.

Topics discussed ranged from India’s evolving maritime strategy and leadership in the Global South to its economic and strategic partnerships under the MAHASAGAR initiative.