Authors: Rushali Bardhan, Monishka Khandelwal, Diksha Sharma, Aparna Maharana

ABSTRACT

India’s geographical location at the epicentre of Indian Ocean gives it a strategic edge. A bulk amount of India’s trade, nearly 90% passes via sea routes which directly proportionate maritime security to national development. This paper presents analytical study of how India as an emerging Maritime power could dynamically and efficiently wield the strategic location of Indian Ocean to become a sustainable maritime power? It further analyses the global trend of maritime order, focusing on Sustainable Ocean Governance, development in the arena of Blue Economy as well as Sea Lines of Communication. The study examines India’s unique maritime strategy within a broader focus of Indo-Pacific framework, where the external growing influence of China and its motive to captivate the vital chokepoints has been a prop of regional disruptions. Again, the paper highlights India’s initiatives such as SAGARMALA Programme, efforts to modernize the naval capabilities, Blue Economy developments and paving an inclusive path for holistic development under the SAGAR vision. Moreover, aligning the SDGs have also been critically assessed. The research points out a gap between India’s strategic intent and enduring enforcement, specifically balancing the environmental sustainability along with portrayal of hard power diplomacy. Hence, it shows that India’s establishment as a sustained maritime power needs regional cooperation, innovative technological support, good governance and most importantly a balanced competition in the region. Here the paper focuses to bridge the existing gaps by highlighting a structure connoting maritime sea power with a sustainable development of the ocean that keeps intact the stability and affluency of the region.