Indian Maritime Policy in the 21st Century: An Analysis of Strategic Challenges and Emerging Opportunities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n06.001Keywords:
Indian Maritime Policy, Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean Region, Maritime Security, SAGAR, Blue Economy, Maritime Diplomacy, Maritime GovernanceAbstract
The maritime domain has emerged as a critical arena of economic connectivity, geopolitical competition, and strategic engagement in the twenty-first century, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. As a nation strategically located in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India increasingly views maritime affairs as central to its national security, economic growth, and regional influence. This paper examines the evolution of India's maritime policy, focusing on its key pillars, including maritime security, naval modernization, maritime diplomacy, SAGAR, and the Blue Economy. It analyzes major challenges such as China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, maritime terrorism, piracy, climate change, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities in maritime trade routes, while also highlighting opportunities arising from the Blue Economy, port-led development, connectivity corridors, technological innovation, and regional cooperation. The study argues that India's maritime policy has evolved into a multidimensional strategy aimed at strengthening security, economic development, and regional leadership. It concludes that a coherent and integrated maritime approach is essential for achieving India's vision of becoming a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific by 2047.
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