The Southwest Indian Ocean

This chapter examines India's strategic role in the southwest Indian Ocean, the main gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. It is sometimes called the ‘Latin Quarter’ due to the preponderance of French spoken in its many island states and territories. India is keen to demonstrate its role as a maritime security provider throughout the southwest, for instance in combating Somali-based piracy and helping police the huge exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the islands. India has sought to develop a security presence through the provision of training, equipment such as patrol boats, aircraft and coastal surveillance radar systems and security advisors. The Indian Navy also provides offshore patrolling and hydrographic surveys in several states and is now also seeking to establish a small security presence in the region. A major focus of maritime security in the southwest is on the Mozambique Channel, which is the key route for shipping between the Middle East and the Atlantic Ocean.