The concept of the Indian Ocean as a “Zone of Peace” (IOZOP) has its roots in the Cold War era and remains a significant point of discussion in international relations. Introduced during the 1970s, this idea aimed to mitigate the increasing military and strategic rivalry in the region. However, the complexities that surround the establishment of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace are deeply intertwined with the geopolitical interests of major powers, regional security concerns, and economic development goals of the Indian Ocean littoral states. This analytical article explores the evolution of the IOZOP concept, its practical challenges, and the ongoing dynamics that influence peace in the Indian Ocean region.
The Vice-President Great Nicobar, on 17 Jan 2023, Mr. G.S. Pathak, made a call for an end to big power interferences in the Indian Ocean. “Our main desire is that the Indian Ocean should be a zone of peace and should be free from interference from world powers. This would give an opportunity to all countries washed by the waters of this ocean to develop and achieve progress and prosperity in peace.”
The Origin of the “Zone of Peace” Concept
The idea of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace was first formally introduced in 1971 during the United Nations General Assembly by Sri Lanka, a key member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The resolution (A/RES/2832) was designed to prohibit the further militarization of the Indian Ocean by external powers, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union, and to ensure that the region remained free of superpower rivalry.
India and Sri Lanka were at the forefront of advocating for the IOZOP concept, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in this critical maritime region. This period was marked by intense Cold War competition, and both powers saw the militarization of the Indian Ocean as a threat to their security and sovereignty. However, this proposal faced immediate challenges, particularly from the United States, which viewed the region as vital for its military strategy, primarily due to its base in Diego Garcia.
Geopolitical Interests and Superpower Rivalry
One of the primary obstacles to realizing the IOZOP concept has been the strategic interests of external powers in the region. The Indian Ocean has long been a vital artery for global trade and energy shipments, with major shipping routes that connect the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The presence of external powers, such as the United States, the Soviet Union (and now Russia), and increasingly China, has contributed to a highly militarized region.
The United States maintains its strategic base at Diego Garcia, which serves as a critical launch point for operations in the Middle East and Africa. This military presence has been seen as a direct challenge to the “Zone of Peace” ideal. The U.S. Navy’s frequent naval exercises and the use of the Indian Ocean for its nuclear submarines further complicate efforts to demilitarize the region.
On the other hand, China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean, through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the construction of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka, has raised concerns among regional players, particularly India. The Maritime Silk Road project, part of the BRI, is seen as a way for China to expand its naval reach into the Indian Ocean. As a result, regional tensions have escalated, especially with India’s perception of Chinese encirclement, known as the “String of Pearls” strategy.
India’s Strategic Concerns
For India, the Indian Ocean is of critical strategic importance. As a country heavily reliant on maritime trade, India views any militarization or foreign presence in the Indian Ocean as a direct threat to its national security. This concern is exacerbated by China’s increasing involvement in the region. India’s military modernization and naval expansion reflect its commitment to maintaining its dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s role as a regional power has led it to balance its opposition to the militarization of the Indian Ocean while ensuring its security interests are safeguarded.
While India was an early advocate for the IOZOP, its strategic needs have led it to become more involved in regional security initiatives, such as joint naval exercises with the United States and other Quad nations (Australia, Japan, and the U.S.). These actions reflect India’s recognition that external powers’ presence in the region is unlikely to diminish, despite efforts to promote peace.
The Role of Regional Powers and the Non-Aligned Movement
The original IOZOP proposal was strongly backed by Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries, particularly those in the Indian Ocean’s littoral states. Nations like Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Tanzania saw the Zone of Peace as a way to resist Cold War pressures and preserve their sovereignty. The NAM sought to ensure that the Indian Ocean would not become a battleground for superpower conflict.
Despite the noble intentions of the NAM, the realities of global politics have made it difficult to enforce such ideals. The economic and security needs of Indian Ocean littoral states often lead them to seek closer ties with external powers. For instance, countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives have welcomed Chinese investment in their infrastructure projects, further complicating the IOZOP agenda. At the same time, some smaller states rely on U.S. military assistance to maintain their security in a volatile region.
Environmental and Non-State Threats
Beyond traditional military concerns, the Indian Ocean faces several non-state security threats that further complicate the peace process. These include piracy off the coast of Somalia, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal fishing. These issues have prompted increased international cooperation among naval forces, particularly through the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a U.S.-led multinational naval partnership that aims to combat piracy and ensure maritime security.
Furthermore, environmental threats, such as climate change and rising sea levels, have added another layer of complexity. Small island nations like the Maldives and Seychelles are particularly vulnerable to these environmental changes, and their focus on peace in the Indian Ocean includes addressing these critical issues. The militarization of the region also contributes to environmental degradation, particularly from naval exercises and the dumping of hazardous materials into the ocean.
Conclusion
The Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace remains an idealistic vision fraught with geopolitical complexities. While the original IOZOP proposal of the 1970s sought to create a demilitarized and peaceful region, the realities of global politics, regional rivalries, and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean make this difficult to achieve. The presence of external powers, particularly the U.S. and China, continues to challenge the demilitarization of the region. At the same time, India’s role as a regional power complicates its balancing act between promoting peace and safeguarding its security interests.
As regional and global dynamics evolve, the Indian Ocean’s future as a Zone of Peace will likely depend on cooperative security frameworks that address both traditional and non-traditional security threats. The involvement of regional organizations, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and international initiatives to combat non-state threats, could offer a pathway toward more sustainable peace in this strategically vital region.
In 2021, Speaking before the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean, an Indian diplomat told delegates: “India and the Indian Ocean are inseparable. It is not just a statement of a fact of geography; but of deeper civilizational, historical, cultural, economic and political linkages that have been forged over centuries between India and the Ocean that bears its name”.
Throughout history, he pointed out, “India’s well-being and prosperity has been linked to its access to the Indian Ocean region. This remains even more relevant today and hence we have a vital stake in the security of the Indian Ocean.”
