INDO-PACIFIC
"Indo-Pacific" refers to a geopolitical concept that encompasses the maritime space connecting the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It reflects the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and their strategic significance. The Indo-Pacific region has become a focal point in discussions related to geopolitics, security, trade, and economic development.
Here are key aspects of the Indo-Pacific region:
- The Indo-Pacific region spans a vast maritime area, covering the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It includes the coasts of East Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Island nations
- The Indo-Pacific region is strategically important due to its critical sea lanes, which are vital for global trade and energy transportation. It serves as a conduit for international commerce, connecting major economies and facilitating maritime transportation
- The Indo-Pacific region is an economic center, home to some of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing economies. Countries like India, China, Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asian nations contribute significantly to global economic activity
- The region is characterized by complex security dynamics, including territorial disputes, maritime security challenges, and geopolitical rivalries. Tensions in the South China Sea, for example, have drawn international attention to the strategic competition among major powers
- Major geopolitical players in the Indo-Pacific include the United States, China, India, Japan, Australia, and regional organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The interactions and relationships among these players shape the geopolitical landscape
- China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) includes infrastructure projects that extend into the Indo-Pacific region, connecting China with countries through maritime and overland routes. This has implications for economic influence and geopolitical alignments
- The Quad comprises the United States, Japan, India, and Australia—a strategic forum aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. It focuses on enhancing regional security, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation
- The Indo-Pacific region emphasizes the importance of maritime connectivity, including port infrastructure, trade routes, and naval presence. Maritime connectivity is critical for economic development and security in the region
- The Indo-Pacific region faces environmental challenges, including climate change, coral reef degradation, and marine pollution. These challenges have implications for the sustainability of the region's ecosystems and coastal communities
- Various regional organizations, such as ASEAN, play a role in promoting cooperation and dialogue among Indo-Pacific nations. Additionally, initiatives like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) contribute to regional collaboration
Concept of Indo-Pacific from perspectives different countries
The concept of the Indo-Pacific is viewed differently by various countries, each with its own geopolitical, economic, and strategic interests. Here is a perspective from some key countries:
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India:
- India has been a strong proponent of the Indo-Pacific concept, emphasizing the inclusive and open nature of the region. India views the Indo-Pacific as a space that connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and it advocates for a rules-based international order, maritime security, and economic connectivity. India's vision aligns with promoting cooperation, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law.
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China:
- China's perspective on the Indo-Pacific is complex. While it acknowledges the region's economic importance, China is wary of strategic developments that it perceives as containment. China has expressed reservations about the militarization of the Indo-Pacific and prefers a regional architecture that is not led by external powers. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) extends into the Indo-Pacific, but its growing influence has also raised concerns among other regional players.
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United States:
- The United States sees the Indo-Pacific as a critical region for its economic and security interests. The concept gained prominence in U.S. policy during the Trump administration, emphasizing a free and open Indo-Pacific. The U.S. supports a rules-based international order, freedom of navigation, and partnerships with like-minded countries. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia is a key element of U.S. engagement in the region.
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Japan:
- Japan sees the Indo-Pacific as central to its security and economic interests. Japan supports the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the rule of law, maritime security, and infrastructure development. Japan is actively engaged in regional partnerships, including the Quad, and has invested in projects promoting connectivity and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Australia:
- Australia aligns itself with the Indo-Pacific concept, emphasizing the importance of an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order. Australia recognizes the economic opportunities in the region and is committed to enhancing security cooperation, particularly in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. The Quad serves as a platform for Australia's engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
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Indonesia:
- Indonesia, as a major maritime nation, views the Indo-Pacific as central to its identity and interests. Indonesia emphasizes a peaceful and inclusive approach, promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and maritime security. It advocates for dialogue, diplomacy, and a cooperative framework that respects the diversity of the region.
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South Korea:
- South Korea, while geographically positioned in Northeast Asia, acknowledges the importance of the Indo-Pacific in its economic and strategic calculations. South Korea has sought to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific countries, emphasizing economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic engagement. It aims to contribute to regional peace and stability.
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ASEAN Countries:
- ASEAN countries collectively engage with the Indo-Pacific concept while emphasizing the centrality of ASEAN in regional architectures. ASEAN's perspective is based on principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and cooperation. While acknowledging the economic opportunities, ASEAN seeks to balance the interests of major powers and maintain regional stability
East Asia Summit acts as a bridge for Indo-Pacific region
The East Asia Summit (EAS) plays a significant role in fostering regional cooperation and acting as a bridge for the Indo-Pacific region. The EAS is a key forum where leaders from East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, along with external partners, come together to discuss political, security, and economic issues.
Here are several ways in which the EAS serves as a bridge for the Indo-Pacific region:
- The EAS provides a multilateral platform for leaders of countries in the Indo-Pacific to engage in constructive dialogue. It serves as a forum for addressing regional challenges, fostering understanding, and building trust among diverse nations
- The EAS includes major players in the Indo-Pacific, such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the United States. This inclusivity makes it a comprehensive regional architecture that reflects the diverse geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific
- The EAS agenda covers a wide range of issues, including political and security cooperation, economic integration, and socio-cultural collaboration. By addressing various dimensions of regional affairs, the EAS contributes to the holistic development and stability of the Indo-Pacific
- The EAS serves as a platform for promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Leaders use the forum to discuss and address regional conflicts, security challenges, and geopolitical tensions through diplomatic means
- Economic cooperation is a crucial aspect of the EAS. The forum provides a space for leaders to discuss trade, investment, and economic development, fostering closer ties among Indo-Pacific nations for mutual benefit
- The EAS builds on the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the regional architecture. ASEAN plays a pivotal role in promoting unity and cooperation, acting as a bridge between major powers and smaller nations in the Indo-Pacific
- The EAS discussions include topics related to connectivity and infrastructure development. This is particularly relevant for the Indo-Pacific, where connectivity is crucial for economic growth, trade facilitation, and regional integration
- The EAS serves as a mechanism for coordinating responses to regional crises, including natural disasters and public health emergencies. This collaborative approach strengthens regional resilience and cooperation
- The EAS emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This is particularly significant for the Indo-Pacific region, which is prone to natural disasters
- The EAS reinforces the importance of upholding international law and promoting a rules-based order. This commitment contributes to the maintenance of stability and security in the Indo-Pacific
India-Pacific Regional Dialogue
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is a yearly, top-level conference hosted by the Indian Navy and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). The IPRD is a global dialogue on maritime strategy that addresses maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific. The 2023 IPRD was held from November 15–17, 2023
The IPRD highlights the fragile security situation in the South China Sea and emphasizes violations of established Codes of Conduct as a threat to regional order. The 2023 IPRD featured deliberations between globally renowned experts, senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces and the Government of India, scholars, and the public. The Chief Guest for the "Commemorative Session" was Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Hon'ble Vice President of India. Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, the Hon'ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs delivered the Special Address
Theme of IPRD-2023
The overarching theme of IPRD-2023 is “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”. This year’s edition of the IPRD builds upon the previous one, which focussed upon ‘Operationalising the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)’, by specifically addressing the ‘Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport’ pillar of the IPOI. Both ‘Trade’ and ‘Maritime Transport’ are, of course, segments of maritime connectivity.
Therefore, IPRD-2023 will, through the agency of a series of globally renowned subject-matter experts and eminent speakers, explore geopolitical impacts upon Indo-Pacific maritime trade and connectivity through six professional sessions spread over a three-day period. The sessions are:
(1) Nodes of Maritime Connectivity;
(2) China’s Impact vis-à-vis Maritime Connectivity across the Indo-Pacific;
(3) Maritime Connectivity through Shipping and Trade;
(4) Maritime Connectivity through Shipping and Trade (Part 2);
(5) Private Industry in the Safety and Security of Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Shipping; and
(6) Maintaining a Rules-based, Safe, and Secure Indo-Pacific.
