GEOPOLITICAL AND GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THEINDIAN OCEAN: CHALLENGES AND VULNERABILITIES FORREGIONAL POWERS

Abstract

Highlighting the geopolitical and geostrategic significance of the Indian Ocean, which emerged as strategic heartland of the contemporary politics, is the prime objective of the research. The growth of the Indian Ocean Region has contributed to the emergence of Western- centric multipolar world. This region has been declared a great pivot as to be rich in energy reserves. Despite its importance, IOR is prone to a number of threats. The research has adopted the descriptive method of research. It has explained the topic deductively in reference to the theory of securitization. The IOR has been quite unpredictable in the terms of the regional security models that keep shifting from state-centric traditional security threats to those created by non-state bodies. These issues are divided into two categories: traditional and non-traditional security (NTS). The freedom of navigation is more important for the smooth flow of the marine trade in the Indian Ocean; challenges like competition among the great powers, unconventional security threats, and degradation of climate change are also present.