India Calls for Blue Economy Leadership in Indian Ocean Region

In recent discussions, India has reasserted its commitment to taking a leadership role in the Indian Ocean, advocating for a sustainable blue economy. This initiative emphasizes cooperation over competition and aims to address the pressing challenges that threaten the marine ecosystem. The Indian Ocean, which is home to one-third of the world’s population, faces significant threats from climate change, including rising sea levels and illegal fishing practices.

Historically, India has championed the principle that the seabed beyond national jurisdiction should be considered the “common heritage of mankind.” This position was first articulated during the negotiations for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the 1970s. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was among those who recognized the ocean’s vital importance to India’s future, stating, “Whichever way we turn, we are drawn to the seas.” This perspective laid the groundwork for India’s ongoing role as a maritime leader.

As environmental pressures escalate, the need for collaborative solutions becomes more urgent. India has the opportunity to promote the Indian Ocean as a “laboratory of sustainability,” focusing on innovative practices that prioritize ecological health. The proposed Blue Ocean Strategy encompasses three critical pillars: stewardship of the commons, resilience to climate impacts, and inclusive growth that benefits all coastal nations.

India’s stewardship initiative underscores the need for cooperative management of ocean resources. By prioritizing biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable fisheries, India can shift the narrative from competition to collaboration. This approach positions India as a model for how nations can work together to safeguard marine ecosystems.

With the rising intensity of climate change, resilience has become paramount. India can take the lead by establishing a Regional Resilience and Ocean Innovation hub. This facility would enhance ocean observation networks, bolster early warning systems, and facilitate technology transfers to vulnerable nations, including small island states and coastal countries in Africa.

Inclusive growth is another cornerstone of India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. The region has the potential to drive economic prosperity through initiatives such as green shipping, renewable offshore energy, and sustainable aquaculture. Achieving these goals will require substantial investment and coordinated regional action.

Positive developments are emerging in ocean finance. At the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) held in Monaco in June 2025, stakeholders unveiled a €25 billion pipeline for existing ocean investments and announced €8.7 billion in new commitments. This momentum highlights a growing recognition of the ocean’s significance in climate finance, a shift that could bolster India’s efforts to channel global resources into regional priorities.

Security in the Indian Ocean is often discussed in terms of naval balance and freedom of navigation. While these concerns are valid, they should not overshadow the fundamental link between ecological health and security. Issues such as illegal fishing and coral reef degradation undermine livelihoods and threaten social stability. Addressing these challenges necessitates a transition from traditional maritime security approaches to a model focused on sustainability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s doctrine of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) aligns with this vision, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean. By fostering regional cooperation through maritime domain awareness and disaster response initiatives, India can protect both security interests and environmental integrity.

India’s narrative should reflect a commitment to responsibility, not rivalry. As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted, India’s approach is “cooperative, consultative, and outcome-oriented,” aimed at achieving shared prosperity.

India’s historical role in ocean diplomacy and its current ambitions position it as a credible leader in promoting sustainable ocean governance. The outcomes of major international conferences, including COP30 in Belém and the G-20 Summit, reaffirm the importance of marine ecosystems for climate stability and community resilience.

Looking ahead, the year 2026 is poised to be crucial for ocean governance, particularly with the anticipated ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement by India. This agreement presents an opportunity for the Indian Ocean region to pioneer solutions such as green shipping corridors and marine technology transfers.

The Indian Ocean, steeped in history and culture, has the potential to become a cradle for a new blue economy that harmonizes prosperity with sustainability. The challenge lies in translating vision into action, aligning financial commitments with tangible outcomes, and forging enduring partnerships. The message is clear: the ocean is not merely a resource to be exploited; it is essential to life. With ambition and inclusivity, India can illustrate that cooperation can triumph over conflict in this vital arena. The time for decisive action is now.