Indian Ocean Challenges : A Quest for Cooperative Solutions
Author | : | Pradeep Kaushiya, Abhijit Singh |
Year of Publication | : | 2013 |
Publisher | : | KW Publishers Pvt Ltd |
ISBN - 13 | : | 9789381904657 |
Edition | : | First |
Language | : | English |
Binding | : | Hardcover |
Subject | : | General |
About the Book :
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is of immense strategic
significance on the global maritime map – not just on account of its centrality
to the current trade and energy flows, but also because of the extreme
disparities and inherent volatility of the region. The region faces an array of
security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional. These include
security of SLOCs, the problem of piracy, the possibility of renewed terrorism
at and from the sea and the pervasive smuggling of people, narcotics and arms.
The narrative of regional maritime security is also characterized by
oscillating economic growth, growing military presence and a rapidly
deteriorating ecological balance in the Indian Ocean.
A stand-out feature of the IOR is the lack of correspondence between nations on
issues concerning ‘security’. While using the high seas for trade,
transportation of energy, major powers have tended to neglect the impact of the
economic activities on the sea itself. In contrast, smaller regional countries
and island states with developing economies have, at best, been able to use
only those resources of the sea which are vital to their survival.
As the challenges rise, the need to factor in and secure effective management
of the Indian Ocean has turned into a compelling imperative. While governments
and authorities grapple with complex issues trying to forge a coherent maritime
policy, there is a growing recognition that unless solutions are found quickly,
lives, livelihoods, and in some cases the very future of local populations
could be at risk. This book contains a comprehensive overview of perspectives
of some of the stakeholders in the Indian Ocean Region. It seeks to identify
the key maritime security issues and explores the potential contribution of the
stakeholders in meeting these challenges.
About Author :