Maritime collaboration in the Indian ocean: India’s perspective

Amid growing interest in the Indian Ocean Region, India has maintained a consistent presence as a regional partner, particularly in island nations such as Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Its approach, shaped by historical connections, mutual cooperation, and a focus on regional stability, has contributed to ongoing partnerships in the area.

Deepening ties with island nations

India’s presence is structurally embedded in the region’s geography, trade networks and cultural memory.

Maldives, for instance, occupies a critical position in the heart of the IOR and continues to play a central role in India’s IOR strategy. India’s support in building the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Maldives, alongside grants and concessional financing, is a demonstration of its commitment to long-term, people-centric development. Additionally, India’s timely assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine supplies and medical support, continues to reinforce its role as a dependable partner.

Mauritius has long been one of India’s trusted partners. The ethnic, cultural, and linguistic affinity between the two nations has translated into strategic alignment. India has consistently supported Mauritius in promoting its maritime surveillance capacity and coastal security infrastructure. The launch of the Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessels and the installation of radar systems under India’s Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS) project are emblematic of this partnership. India has also extended significant lines of credit and grants to aid infrastructure development in Mauritius, ranging from metro rail projects to social housing.

In terms of Seychelles-India relations, India has donated patrol vessels, constructed infrastructure such as the Supreme Court building, and supported the enhancement of maritime domain awareness. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters and during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s prompt humanitarian assistance has reinforced its credibility.

Building regional partnerships based on cooperation

India has consistently demonstrated that its security objectives in the IOR are cooperative, not coercive. Maritime security exercises, information-sharing platforms like the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), and collaborative humanitarian assistance missions highlight India’s inclusive and stabilizing role.

In addition, India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, more than 1,000 islands, and significant naval infrastructure facing the Indian Ocean, making it a key stakeholder in the region. India’s responses during times of crisis have contributed to building trust among its island neighbours. From tsunami relief efforts in 2004 to COVID-19 vaccine distribution and timely security assistance to the Maldives during periods of unrest, India’s actions have reflected a focus on regional stability and development.

In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, countries in the IOR are engaging with a range of partners. While diversification of relations is a natural aspect of sovereign decision-making, India’s partnerships with Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles are based on geographic proximity, long-term cooperation, and shared interests.