Indian Ocean Region Research Articles

India’s maritime security dilemma and geopolitical competition in Indo-Pacific

ABSTRACT Maritime security is a major concern in the contemporary global environment. Rapid technological progress has facilitated the exploration and utilisation of oceanic resources in remote offshore regions. Traditionally, the maritime domain has faced several threats, such as sea piracy, armed robberies, and illegal drugs. In the twenty-first century, with the rise of China as an important maritime power, geo-strategic competition has increased among great powers. India has long enjoyed a sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean Region has been challenged. The rise of China poses a credible security threat to India in the Indo-Pacific region. This article explores the dynamic backdrop of global, regional, and domestic politics and their effects on Indian foreign policy through the ocean. This article contends that the marine security initiatives and actions observed over the last decade necessitate more comprehensive consideration. In global maritime politics, India and the USA look to each other as partners to counterbalance China. Nevertheless, India is not ready for any military alliance against China based on Indian national interests. Therefore, this paper examines how India has pursued its ‘strategic autonomy’ in the region during the power rivalry between China and the US.

Weaving scientific and local knowledge on climate change impacts in coastal Kenya, Western Indian Ocean

Climate change poses severe threats to coastal social-ecological systems (SES) worldwide. Recent calls recognize the importance of including Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in research on climate change impacts. Yet studies that have attempted to weave ILK and scientific knowledge have seldom considered the gendered nature of climate change impacts. Building on the literature on gender and climate change and knowledge pluralism, this study contributes to addressing this research gap by exploring local knowledge on climate change impacts and its relation to scientific knowledge through a gendered approach and focusing on the Western Indian Ocean region, and more specifically on Kenya. We adopted a mixed methodology combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. We found evidence of pronounced climate change impacts on coastal SES both in the scientific literature and in local reports. Our findings highlight that there is an extensive overlap between information derived from scientific and local knowledge systems. Importantly, our study revealed reports of change that were only provided by SSF communities, namely changes in coastal dynamics, a decrease in rainfall, and a decrease in the abundance of green algae. Although we found gendered variations in changes reported by SSF communities, gendered differences of climate change impacts on SSF were not detected in the reviewed literature. Overall, our results suggest that knowledge cross-fertilization generates a holistic, relational, and place-based view of climate change impacts, which may support sound and gender-inclusive adaptive policies. We conclude by suggesting key policy recommendations for climate adaptation and risk management

An End-to-End Deep Learning Framework for Cyclone Intensity Estimation in North Indian Ocean Region Using Satellite Imagery

An End-to-End Deep Learning Framework for Cyclone Intensity Estimation in North Indian Ocean Region Using Satellite Imagery

MODERNISING PAKISTAN’S SHIPPING REGULATIONS AND TRADE FACILITATION AUTHORITIES UNDER CONVENTION ON THE FACILITATION OF INTERNATIONAL MARITIME TRAFFIC 1965

A developing maritime economy like Pakistan can greatly benefit from the comprehensive framework of standards, guidelines, and recommended practices provided by the modern and comprehensive provisions of the Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic 1965 (FALC). This study’s objective is to analyse the FALC’s legal provisions and Pakistan's domestic maritime law in relation to ship and port juncture activities in order to make recommendations for updating the country's current statutory rules and regulations in line with international standards, conventions and practices. According to the study, the FALC has significantly facilitated international maritime traffic through the harmonisation and standardisation of its port and shipping procedures. Following the FALC's and the facilitation committee's approved guidelines will improve Pakistan's overall competitive standing as an emerging regional shipping hub, especially under the long term plan for China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Furthermore, it will also allow Pakistan to sustainably transform into a significant maritime transit trade centre in the Western Indian Ocean Region.

China's Geostrategic Interests in the Indian Ocean Region: Implications for Regional Security and Sino- Indian Relations

Over the last decade, China has increased its footprint and economic power in the Indian Ocean by expanding its influence there. Critical concerns in the Indian Ocean pose a danger to regional security, according to this research. Realist theoryassesses China's economic and military achievements. There is a real possibility that unchecked Chinese development into the Indian Ocean would turn the entire ocean into a "Chinese lake," opening up trade along the Maritime Silk Road. A coalition of impacted and compatible governments is necessary to safeguard maritime interests against China's aggressiveness. The mixed approach employed literature and survey data for qualitative and quantitative research. Basic random sampling was used to sample 150 Lahore residents. Those who are active in policymaking and marine governance are the target audience for these findings, which are meant to educate them on the geopolitical shifts and what they represent for the future of the sector.

Future Prospects and Scope of China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Modern Maritime Silk Road

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as a master project within the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), envisioning connectivity and economic cooperation across the Eurasian landmass. With a focus on the maritime dimension, this study explores the future prospects and scope of CPEC within the context of the Modern Maritime Silk Road (MSR). By examining key infrastructure projects, policy frameworks, and geopolitical dynamics, it assesses the potential impacts and opportunities arising from enhanced maritime connectivity between China and Pakistan. The analysis begins by demarcation the strategic importance of maritime routes in economic development and facilitating trade, mainly in the framework of global maritime trade patterns. Additionally, the study explores the consequences of CPEC for regional dynamics, mainly in the Indian Ocean region, where geopolitical competition and maritime security concerns intersect. It examines the potential for transshipment opportunities, economic integration and the growth of regional supply chains helped by CPEC-linked maritime infrastructure.

Using regional relaxation experiments to understand the development of errors in the Asian summer monsoon

Abstract. We describe the use of regional relaxation (“nudging”) experiments carried out in initialised hindcasts to shed light on the contribution from particular regions to the errors developing in the Asian summer monsoon. Results so far confirm previous hypotheses that errors in the Maritime Continent region contribute substantially to the East Asia summer monsoon (EASM) circulation errors through their effects on the western North Pacific subtropical high. Locally forced errors over the Indian region also contribute to the EASM errors. Errors arising over the Maritime Continent region also affect the circulation and sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Indian Ocean region, contributing to a persistent error pattern resembling a positive Indian Ocean dipole phase. This is associated with circulation errors over India and the strengthening and extension of the westerly jet across southeast Asia and the South China Sea into the western Pacific, thereby affecting the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) circulation and rainfall patterns as a whole. However, errors developing rapidly in the deeper equatorial Indian Ocean, apparently independently of the atmosphere errors, are also contributing to this bias pattern. Preliminary analysis of nudging increments over the Maritime Continent region suggests that these errors may at least partly be related to deficiencies in the convection and boundary layer parameterisations.

Di Bawah Penjajahan: Pasang Surut Hubungan Masyarakat Muslim dan Kolonialisme di Kawasan Samudra Hindia, 1775-1945

This review discusses a book that explains the condition of Muslim societies in the Indian Ocean region from 1775 to 1945. In broad terms, this book narrates the involvement of imperial powers with Muslims in the Indian Ocean region starting from the 1770s. The historical account begins with the British East India Company (EIC) seizing Cape Town and the Moluccas, which were then controlled by the Dutch through the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, VOC). It proceeds through the period when the Ottoman Empire partnered with Britain and concludes with the Japanese occupation that overthrew Western powers in Southeast Asia in the 1940s. The strength of this book lies in its extensive use of primary sources to explore the lives of Muslims in the Indian Ocean and their interactions with colonial powers.

The Fujiwhara effect on ocean biophysical variables in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean region

A rare event known as Fujiwhara effect occurred in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean when tropical cyclones (TCs) Seroja and Odette were co-existed, interacted each other, and merged into one TC in April 2021. Here, remotely sensed data (surface winds, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, and surface currents) were analyzed to determine the impact of Fujiwhara effect on the ocean biophysical variables in the region. Ekman pumping velocity were computed to determine the upwelling/downwelling process. During the entire development of the TCs to the merging, the TCs induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling and raising sea surface chlorophyll-a. Ekman pumping and inertial pumping may serve as the primary driving force for the observed negative SST anomaly and positive anomaly in chl-a concentration associated with TCs. This rare event adds the complexity of ocean and climate dynamics of the region as an exit gate of the Indonesian throughflow to the Indian Ocean and may have implications to circulation and climate in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The present research likely represents the first scientific documentation of oceanic responses to a Fujiwhara effect in the region.

COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

Purpose of the study: to identify the features of international cooperation between Russia and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the field of maritime security. Methodology. The author, based on a wide range of the latest domestic and foreign sources, studies the political and legal foundations for Russia’s activities in the Indian Ocean region, and conducts a step-by-step analysis of the structure and priorities of the IORA activities. The main methodology of the study consists of systematic and comparative approaches, contributing to an objective and comprehensive analysis of international cooperation between the Russian Federation and IORA in the Indian Ocean region. Conclusions. It is shown that Russia, based on its accumulated experience with the multilateral regional systems, advocates the development of cooperation between the system of interstate interaction mechanisms formed in the Asia-Pacific region around ASEAN, and multilateral structures of the Indian Ocean zone. It has been revealed that Russia, like other IORA countries, sees the advantages of further developing maritime transport and navigation, coastal areas and tourism, sustainable fishing, the fight against marine pollution, and the joint study of ocean resources. Particular attention is paid to international cooperation projects in the field of the “blue economy”, which are carried out by the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the state corporation Rosatom and IORA. Russia’s international cooperation with IORA will help expand Russia’s strategic presence and influence in the Indian Ocean.

Indian Ocean Internationalisms: The Sri Lankan Pursuit of Peace, 1971–89

In 1971 the Sri Lankan Prime Minister tabled the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace at the 26th United Nations General Assembly, marking the state's international debut at the global stage. This article analyses the trajectory of this highly significant initiative in the context of rapidly evolving political instabilities within Sri Lanka and across the Indian Ocean region. It argues that Sri Lanka's pursuit of peace during the 1970s and 1980s stemmed from multiple threats to its sovereignty combined with the state's desire to develop strategic allies and the material donations that flowed from those relations. The pursuit saw Sri Lanka align with India, the USA, the Soviet Union, and Britain at moments of political deterioration. These alignments enabled the Sri Lankan government to seek material supports to address breakdowns of political relations with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in the south and Tamils in the north and east. The article argues that the Sri Lankan pursuit of peace irrevocably transformed Indian Ocean internationalisms and shows how a small state aligned to suit its political needs. The pursuit also linked Sri Lanka's Indian Ocean peace efforts to a liberal order in problematic ways and strengthened international backing for violence against its citizens.

A novel cooperative optimization method of course and speed for wing-diesel hybrid ship based on improved A* algorithm

The wing-diesel hybrid ship, utilizes a wind propulsion system, which is significantly influenced by weather conditions. Therefore, a cooperative optimization method for course and speed is proposed based on an improved A* algorithm, considering weather changes and the ship characteristics, to achieve further improvement in the ship operational energy efficiency. Firstly, a meteorological and hydrological dataset is utilized to establish a dynamic maritime area model with complex weather conditions. Based on this model, the paper considers the actual navigation circumstances to define prohibited and navigable areas. Secondly, the improved A* algorithm incorporates the impact of weather on wing-sails. The improved A* algorithm considers the ship operating position and enhances the evaluation function by variables normalization of fuel consumption and voyage time. This cooperative optimization ensures the maximization of wind energy utilization, thereby achieving the goal of reducing fuel consumption while meeting the overall voyage time requirement. Experimental validation is conducted with the ship “New Aden” in the Indian Ocean region, and the results show that, compared to the original route, the optimized route reduces total fuel consumption by 5.48%, increases the navigation distance by up to 2.18% and increases the navigation time by 5.74%.

Use and management of seagrass ecosystems in southwestern Madagascar

Madagascar’s seagrass meadows are among the least-studied ecosystems in the western Indian Ocean region. To facilitate sustainable management, understanding the traditional uses of seagrass areas in relation to current management policies is necessary. This study assessed the uses of, and policies relevant to, seagrass ecosystems off southwestern Madagascar. We interviewed 131 community members in five coastal villages around the Bay of Ranobe in Toliara Province. Answers to the survey revealed a good level of awareness of seagrass, though 55% of respondents perceived the status of the seagrass areas as deteriorating. Opinions varied on the source or degree of threats to seagrass, but 74.8% of respondents suggested destructive fishing methods or other factors, including natural phenomena and animal grazing. The responses highlight that seagrass meadows serve as areas important for fishing, seaweed cultivation or sea cucumber farming, and the passage of boat/pirogue transportation. There are currently no tangible policies that directly protect or manage the seagrass areas regarding these activities, although some national regulations and local management initiatives are indirectly relevant, notably no-take zones and the local-level codes known as Dina. Development and implementation of a national management plan for seagrass ecosystems is a key gap. This demands the collection of scientific data to support decision-making to ensure long-term provision of the services provided by seagrass meadows. The involvement of coastal communities in the management of seagrass ecosystems will be necessary for the success of any new policies.

Geopolitics of Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean: Sino-Indian rivalry and Implications on Pakistan

Maritime sector is considered to be one of the most neglected sector of Pakistan. Contemporary world politics is now based on economy. History tells us those states that were fully aware of strengthening their maritime sector, they ruled the world. Competition over a sea lines of communications in Indian ocean region is increasing day by day.US tilt towards India became a driving force to strengthen collaboration between China and Pakistan. China Pakistan Economic Corridor is one of the significant example of strong ties between two states. China wants to penetrate in middle east along with central Asian states. Recent peace deal media by China with Iran and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is its significant example. Development of Pakistani Gwadar port is one of the Chinese driving force to execute Chinese presence in the Indian ocean region. On the other hand, US wants to contain China via India. US is reluctant to reduce its presence in the region. 21st century belongs to trade and investment. This paper aims to highlight the geopolitical importance of trade related activities via sea lines of communications. Security of the sea routes along with its geopolitical significance in this security led architecture of the world is also discussed in the paper.

Environmental Challenge as a Common Threat Impacting Maritime Security Operations

This research employs document studies to investigate the significant environmental and climate change threats facing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The littoral states of the IOR contribute to oceanic contamination through poor sanitation, inadequate waste management, and increased waste production due to population expansion. The resulting ocean pollution severely impacts marine ecosystems, depleting fish species and threatening food sources and livelihoods for coastal populations. Additionally, climate change exacerbates human migration and poses risks to maritime security and naval operations by increasing atmospheric and sea temperatures. The study highlights the need for collaborative efforts among IOR states to address these environmental challenges, emphasizing that the consequences of one state's environmental practices can affect the entire region.

Cross Domain Deterrence in Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean Region

Deterrence as a concept is deeply rooted in human nature and for a considerable time it was contested and jilted, yet it resurfaced in one way or the other. Nuclear weapons became the backbone of the concept of Deterrence. Due to the inherent dynamism of Revolution in Military Affairs, the supremacy of Nuclear is being challenged with the advent of the latest technologies which are acting as enablers and disruptors. The concept of Cross DomainDeterrence emerged a decade ago, took shape, and entered the strategic lexicon. It has enablers and drivers, while a gradual shift in this direction is visible. While remaining within the ambit of complex interdependence theory given by Robert O Keohane and Joseph S Nye. This article examines the applicability of Cross-Domain Deterrence in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean Region focusing on the US, China, India, and Pak to identify the need to look beyond the horizon and embrace the change.

The Urgency of Handling Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the Indonesian Border Region Perspective: Marine Security in the Makassar Strait

ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) plays a role in maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean (Indo-Pacific) region. However, due to common and competing interests, there are still conflicts in the region's implementation. Maritime security cooperation, which includes addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, is one of the most important issues in the ASEAN region. The research intends to examine law enforcement against IUU violations in the ASEAN region, as well as the consequences of IUU violations by ASEAN countries on waters in the Makassar Strait. This is a qualitative study that employs a normative-empirical approach. The first problem is analyzed using the normative aspect, which is based on international and national law on ASEAN agreements on IUU, law enforcement, and other issues. While the empirical aspect is used to analyze the second problem through in-depth interviews about Makassar Strait water supervision and law enforcement. Based on the research findings, IUU law enforcement in the ASEAN Region must be carried out firmly to parties that threaten security and stability in the ASEAN Region, as outlined in each agreement participant's national law. Meanwhile, the legal consequences of IUU violations in the ASEAN Region have an impact on the security and stability of the waters of the Makassar Strait.

Stypopodium Kütz. - a new generic record for India from the Bay of Bengal

The study highlights the first-ever documentation of the genus Stypopodium along the Indian coastline, specifically in Andhra Pradesh. Previously reported in various Indian Ocean regions but not in India, this discovery fills a significant gap in understanding its distribution. The species Stypopodium zonale is thoroughly examined, including its physical characteristics, microscopic features, habitats, distribution, and taxonomic notes, complemented by accompanying photo plates. Additionally, the proposal of a lectotype for heterotypic synonyms, namely Fucus zonalis, Zonaria lobata, and Zonaria fuliginosa is presented.

A comparison of ionospheric TEC between the South Atlantic anomaly region and the Indian Ocean region based on TIEGCM simulations in 2002

Using the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamic General Circulation Model (TIEGCM), a comparison of the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) between the South Atlantic anomaly (SAA) and the Indian Ocean (IO) at solar maximum is performed in this study. The results show that the average total electron content in the SAA is greater than that in the Indian Ocean in general. In order to further analyze the difference between the two regions, the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) are used to investigate the temporal and spatial characteristics of TEC. The empirical orthogonal function method separate part of the global four-peak structure (an equatorial ionization anomaly structure, distributed in Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and central Pacific) and spatial variations in both regions. Moreover, the first mode of EOF shows the different distribution of Equatorial ionization anomaly in South America and central Pacific caused by deviation of geomagnetic field and tides between two regions, and the enhancement of TEC in SAA region at dusk is emphasized, but the enhancement of TEC in IO region at dawn is emphasized. The second mode performs the distribution of EIA in Africa related to solar radiation and E×B drift. The third mode indicates the similar spatiotemporal variations from the geomagnetic field. Besides, the correlation between TEC and Dst in two regions indicate that there are some deficiencies in simulation to the specificity of SAA, and the deficiencies are likely caused by the model’s inaccurate simulation of the magnetic field and particle deposition in the SAA region.

Interannual Variability of August Precipitation in China Associated With the Antarctic Sea Ice Anomaly

AbstractThrough observational analysis and atmospheric simulation experiments, the relationship between sea ice in the region of South Pole and August precipitation in China was determined. Results indicate that the leading mode of August precipitation in China is significantly correlated with July sea ice concentration (SIC) in South Pole, specifically in eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) region. Typically, the SIC growth is followed by positive rainfall anomalies in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River Basin (YRB) and Northeast China (NEC), while South China (SC) is under the control of negative rainfall anomalies. Precisely, owing to the temporal persistence of sea ice in the South Polar region from May to August, sea ice anomalies exert a strong influence on August atmospheric stability in EIO of Southern Hemisphere via regulating turbulent heat flux and air temperature anomalies. As SIC increases, the atmospheric circulation in horizontal exhibits the characteristics of the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) positive phase, affecting the zonal wind anomalies. Subsequently, the anomalous circulation with a barotropic structure propagates to Australia and the East Asian via the strengthened vertical meridional cells and zonal winds. Moreover, numerical simulations confirm that due to the growth of South Polar sea ice in EIO, abnormal cyclone and anticyclone appear over North China and SC respectively, together with the moisture converging anomalies in the middle and lower reaches of YRB, and diverging anomalies in SC. Accordingly, these atmospheric circulation anomalies triggered by Antarctic sea ice conducive to a wet (dry) August in northern (southern) China.