The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a geopolitical concept and a geographical expanse encompassing the Indian Ocean and the surrounding littoral states, including East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is the world's third-largest ocean, covering approximately 70.56 million square kilometers. The ocean's name derives from the Indian subcontinent's central geographical position and historical prominence in trade. Historically, the IOR was known as the 'Monsoon Marketplace' for millennia, facilitating trade between civilizations. For a long period, it was often referred to as a "British lake" until the fall of Singapore in 1942.
The modern strategic concept of the IOR gained prominence in the 21st century due to rising security challenges and geopolitical competition. The IOR functions as a vital global artery, with approximately 80% of global seaborne oil trade and 50% of container traffic passing through its waters. Key strategic choke points that govern this mechanism include the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Malacca. For India, the IOR is an economic lifeline, routing about 95% of its trade volume and 68% of its trade value.
The IOR connects to India's strategic vision, notably the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, launched in 2015, and the more recent MAHASAGAR doctrine, which builds upon the SAGAR vision. Multilateral institutions like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), established in March 1997, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) are key cooperative frameworks. The strategic focus has recently shifted, with India aiming to establish itself as the "most important maritime power in the region". This shift involves a proactive maritime strategy to counter non-traditional threats like piracy and address the increasing geopolitical competition in the region.