India strengthening IOR stability through hydrographic and meteorological diplomacy

Positioned strategically at the crossroads of global maritime trade, India has quietly emerged as a trusted partner across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

- ASHISH SINGH

In contemporary geopolitics, naval power extends far beyond mere military might. Nations wield influence increasingly through the soft power tools of hydrography, meteorology, oceanography, and disaster preparedness. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of global maritime trade, India has quietly emerged as a trusted partner across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), championing regional stability and security through proactive hydrographic and meteorological diplomacy.

HYDROGRAPHIC DIPLOMACY India's engagement in hydrographic diplomacy is extensive, systematic, and deeply collaborative. By conducting comprehensive hydrographic surveys, India has helped IOR countries clarify maritime boundaries, manage maritime resources, and unlock economic potential.

In a notable instance, India's hydrographic assistance facilitated Mauritius' expansion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by an impressive 1.3 million sq. km. This enlargement not only bolstered Mauritius' economic prospects but also mitigated maritime disputes by clearly defining territorial waters, a key step in stabilizing regional interactions.

Similarly, Seychelles and Mauritius collaborated on a joint submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UN CLCS), which, with Indian support, resulted in significant economic gains through extended jurisdiction over maritime resources. India's surveys thus play a crucial role in enabling nations to tap into offshore hydrocarbon and mineral reserves and sustainably manage fisheries—key to these island economies.