The Indian Ocean’s rim consists of thirty littoral and ten landlocked states. Its interregional geopolitics and intraregional security dynamics are extremely complex. According to various estimates, forty-two percent of active world conflicts are in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In addition to the permanent presence of multiple extra-regional powers and the resulting tensions and rivalries, there is a spectrum of non-traditional security threats in the region, such as terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, and climate change. Furthermore, India’s nuclearization of the Indian Ocean and its shifting postures is a threat to all the littoral states, especially Pakistan which aims to maintain a balance and credible nuclear deterrence against India. This roundtable explored the evolving strategic landscape of the IOR and its impact on South Asian regional order.
The report can be read/downloaded below in pdf format
