Eastern Waters Become a Strategic Priority for India's Maritime Security

India is strengthening its focus on eastern maritime security as growing geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific increase the importance of protecting vital shipping routes, expanding naval cooperation and building stronger defence partnerships with Southeast Asian countries. The eastern Indian Ocean, the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea are gaining prominence in India's strategic calculations as a significant share of its international trade passes through these busy maritime corridors. Any disruption in the region could affect commercial shipping, energy supplies and India's broader economic interests.

The shift reflects New Delhi's expanding maritime outlook, which increasingly recognises that security in the Indo-Pacific is closely linked to India's national and economic security. While the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean remain important because of India's energy requirements and trade with West Asia, the eastern maritime region is emerging as an equally significant area of strategic interest.

India has been working to strengthen its engagement with Southeast Asian countries through the Act East Policy, focusing on defence cooperation, maritime surveillance, regional connectivity and economic partnerships. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become an important partner in these efforts, with New Delhi supporting a regional security framework based on cooperation, international law and freedom of navigation.

The Strait of Malacca is particularly important to India's maritime interests because it connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and the wider Pacific region. It is one of the world's busiest shipping routes and serves as a major passage for energy shipments and commercial goods. India has therefore shown increasing interest in strengthening maritime cooperation with countries located around this strategic waterway.

External Affairs Ministry Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon recently highlighted the importance of coordinated maritime patrolling arrangements around the Strait of Malacca. He pointed out that although India does not have territorial jurisdiction over the waterway, cooperation among regional countries could help improve surveillance and address maritime security challenges. India's growing engagement with ASEAN also reflects its determination to play a more active role in shaping the Indo-Pacific security environment. New Delhi has been expanding defence relations with countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines through naval exercises, defence exchanges and maritime cooperation initiatives.

The relationship with the Philippines has gained particular significance amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea. India and the Philippines have strengthened their defence partnership in recent years, including through a $375-million agreement signed in 2022 for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems. The deal marked an important step in India's defence export ambitions and highlighted the growing strategic relationship between the two countries.

India has also been increasing its focus on maritime domain awareness, which involves monitoring vessel movements, identifying suspicious activities and sharing information with regional partners. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), based in Gurugram, plays an important role in facilitating information-sharing and strengthening cooperation among participating countries.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are another important element of India's eastern maritime strategy. Located close to the western entrance of the Strait of Malacca, the island chain provides India with a strategic advantage in monitoring maritime traffic and protecting its eastern approaches. The Andaman and Nicobar Command, established in 2001, is the country's first integrated theatre command and brings together personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

New Delhi has also been pursuing infrastructure development in the islands to improve connectivity and strengthen their strategic importance. The proposed Great Nicobar development project, which includes plans for a transshipment port and supporting infrastructure, is expected to improve India's maritime connectivity and commercial access to Southeast Asia. China's expanding naval presence and growing influence across the Indo-Pacific have added another dimension to India's eastern maritime priorities. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea and increasing military activity have raised concerns among several countries in the region. India has maintained that maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, while supporting freedom of navigation and respect for the sovereignty of coastal nations.

The Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, also provides an important platform for cooperation on maritime security and regional stability. At the same time, India continues to emphasise ASEAN centrality and the importance of ensuring that Southeast Asian countries remain at the centre of discussions concerning their region.

Beyond traditional military concerns, India is also looking to address challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human smuggling and threats to critical maritime infrastructure. Climate-related disasters and the vulnerability of coastal communities have further increased the need for regional coordination and emergency response capabilities.

India's growing focus on the eastern maritime region does not indicate a reduction in its attention towards the western Indian Ocean. Instead, it represents a broader approach aimed at protecting the country's interests across both sides of the Indian Ocean and strengthening its position in the Indo-Pacific. As trade links with Southeast Asia continue to expand and strategic competition intensifies, securing eastern maritime routes is becoming an increasingly important priority for New Delhi. Stronger naval capabilities, regional partnerships and effective information-sharing are expected to remain central to India's efforts to protect its maritime interests and maintain stability across the wider Indo-Pacific.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.