ABSTRACT
Indian Ocean in the twenty-first century is undergoing major transformational changes. Two major drivers of this transformation are the strategic reorientation of the great power interests; and, the compulsions of global economic integration. Combined impact of these two drivers has resulted in building trans-oceanic economic and strategic groups with overlapping membership and affiliations. India’s extended strategic and economic interests into the Pacific domain is a significant development in the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific political and economic alignments. Indian Navy’s successive maritime doctrines have drawn the roadmap to play its role as the catalyst for peace, tranquility and stability in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific regions. However, peace and order in IO defy a uniform approach given the fluidity and unpredictability of Indian Ocean maritime environment. Any critical situation in ten draws attention of several states with their differing stakes in the region which could constrain the IN’s self-conceived role as regional stabilizer. The role of the non-state actors with their proven ability to assault some of the regional powers including India is another major check on the IN’s capacity to carry out its mission as the net security provider in the region. Moreover, sections of Indian strategic community are also not comfortable with the IN’s maritime supremacy theology.
