Page 71 - MDSL Final

NEW DYNAMICS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION
around the region, are potential sources of stability. Apart from Indian
Ocean states, all major industrial powers and energy suppliers have an
innate interest in Indian Ocean security and stability. India plays a vital
role in maritime security in the IOR. In addition, China, France, UK and
the US also play important role in assuring maritime security in IOR.

With its military modernisation, China’s influence in IOR is expanding
rapidly with increasing naval presence in blue waters and its expanding
economic influence in countries of the IOR. The safety and stability
of the Indian ocean is critical for China’s energy security as Chinese
economic development will demand more resources from Western
and Gulf countries while requiring its finished goods to be exported
to the Western market through IOR. China will continue to assist
and develop diplomatic relationship with IOR states in the future.
The modernisation of various fields which support Chinese economic
development will continue rapidly and steadily in the future as well.
Therefore, the Chinese presence in the IOR could be seen mainly from
their interest in advancing their economic engagements and ensuring
safety of their maritime trade, especially oil.

India is the pre-eminent naval power in the region, and has a vital role
to play with regard to the future of the Indian Ocean. The rapid growing
economy of India depends on the maritime security and safety of IOR.
Timely arrival of inbound resources from various places of the world
and effective shipment of outgoing products to their destination will be
crucial for the development of India. Further, India depends on huge
amount of marine resources from IOR. India’s commitment to develop
cooperative and collaborative effort with neighbouring countries of
the region to develop maritime security will be continued in future.
Therefore, India will play major role in developing maritime security and
safety of the IOR.

US presence secures the vital sea lanes of the Indo-Pacific that underpin
global commerce and prosperity. As history has demonstrated and the
future necessitates, the US will continue to play a key role as a force
for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific in support of US diplomatic and
economic aspirations. US will strength the diplomatic ties between IOR

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 53