From Sea Lanes to Strategic Fault lines: Big Power Contestation and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean

By : S B Asthana

Page No: 73-87

Abstract
This paper analyses the transformation of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) into a theatre of grey-zone contestation and great power competition. It demonstrates how initiatives like continuous surveillance, seabed mapping, and deployment of dual-use vessels are changing the maritime environment below the conventional war threshold. As evidenced by events like the IRIS Dena incident, the growing influence of powerful nations, especially China and the United States, has heightened competition and raised the possibility of escalation. The analysis emphasises how crucial the IOR is for smooth flow of international trade and energy, with important chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca emerging as serious concerns. It assesses India’s readiness, pointing out inadequacies in institutional coordination, legal positioning, and maritime domain awareness in order to promote a stable, rules-based order in the Indian Ocean. The paper promotes a proactive maritime strategy focused on alliances, regional leadership, and persistent presence.

Author
Major General (Dr.) S. B. Asthana (Retd.), SM, VSM is a globally acknowledged strategic and security analyst with 460 publications to his credit. As a veteran of Indian Army, he has 45 years of experience at national and varied international fields and United nations. He has been Director, Courses, USI of India, since last 12 years and has participated in over 3,000 TV shows globally. Maj. General Asthana has spoken in various strategic and military fora, UN organisations and universities and is currently on the board of many organisations in India and abroad. He had been awarded twice by the President of India and twice by the UN. Besides, he was also awarded twice by OCED for “International Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution.”
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JIOS.2025.34.01.6