Strategic Analysis of Maritime Situation in Indian Ocean- Challenges and Prospects for Pakistan

Abstract

Strategic maritime environment of Indian Ocean is rigorously changing in the course of last two decades. Regional focus has sharply shifted from territorial to maritime borders, largely impacting transnational ties in wake of defense and security measures. This insight covers background of strategic maritime environment of Indian Ocean along with shifting trends after the launch of China’s “Belt Road Initiative”. This discourse also covers impact of COVID crisis on maritime environment of IO and recent tactical reorientation of global powers in the region. Furthermore, Strategic analysis of maritime power of Indian Ocean is done in calibration of the narrative. USA, China, India, Australia, and Pakistan are taken under keen sight of policy analysis. Opportunities and challenges for Pakistan in lieu of this discussion is penned down categorically. Development of Maritime Security Strategy of Pakistan (MSSP) with commensurate needs is focused as a result of the deliberate policy and maritime environment study of IOR. Cogent recommendations are offered to Pakistan Navy and Government of the State to fill the lapse on way to emerging naval power of Western Indian Ocean. It is qualitative research employing descriptive chronological discussion targeting theme in the larger perspective.