NUCLEARIZATION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN BY THE SOUTH ASIAN RIVALS

Abstract

Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world, covering 20% of the Earth’s surface water, it provides ample opportunities for cooperation and contention. Where the Indian Ocean is desirous because of its location, regional climate, hydrology, marine life, sea lines of communications, chokepoints, major harbors, ports and blue economy potential, it is also quite dreaded as in addition to washing up on shores of two South Asian nuclear powers (India and Pakistan), it has also seduced powers like United States and China to dock in the IOR. The former combo, in its quest to achieve defense invincibility, has embarked on Indian Ocean nuclearization rampage while also being facilitated by the latter combo compelled by their own vested interests. This research is modelled to be descriptive in its design and qualitative in its nature. The data gathered to carry out this study has been collected through secondary sources including different articles, journals and websites etc. The study mainly focuses on the contributions and interests of the superpowers and regional powers in the Indian Ocean and points out that for a stable, secure and harmonious environment in the Indian Ocean, and concludes that to keep the nuclear frenzy of South Asian and regional rivals in check, the extra regional powers must rise to the occasion and refrain from playing favourites.