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Maritime Affairs: Winter Edition 2017

Geographers distinguish between a “formal” region – one that possesses distinctive homogeneous characteristics – and a “functional” region – one that is defined by the flow of ideas, goods and people. In this context, the “Indo-Pacific” region (a term that has rapidly transited from biogeography to the geostrategic realm) is a “functional” region, and while it is true that a functional region is an artificial construct, it nevertheless reflects a reality that is receiving ever greater traction. Indeed, the term “Indo-Pacific” is now firmly anchored in the strategic lexicon around the world, having been repeatedly articulated by President Donald Trump during his recent five-nation tour of Asia, between November 5 and 12, 2017. Wider acceptance of this term, however, has also perpetrated multiple interpretations. Some for instance, quite incorrectly, view it as the inclusion of India into the Asia-Pacific construct. The term is actually a contraction of the “Indian Ocean” and the “Pacific Ocean”. From a maritime perspective, the confluence of the Indian and Pacific oceans has long been recognised as a natural consequence of a more integrated world. Viewing large geographic spaces as single strategic entities, however, has its own peculiar challenges. With greater diversity – of national interests, alignments and threats – there are inherent suspicions when states attempt to articulate a uniform strategy across a large space. This is certainly true of the Indo-Pacific, the waters of which are, figuratively speaking, somewhat murky and turbulent, not least because of the geopolitical complexity of its geographical conformation. Indeed, in the tapestry being woven within the Indo-Pacific oceanic expanse, the imprint of the United States of America is certainly to be seen on every warp yarn. However, it is the weft yarns that make the fabric, and as such, it is China and India whose complex interrelationships with each other and with the littorals of East and South-east Asia provide the texture and hues of this intricate and multifarious tapestry. As the world tries to make sense of it all, the current issue of Maritime Affairs attempts to unravel some of this complexity, with perspectives on various issues linked to the maritime domain. It looks at the strategies that states are evolving, in order to deal with the increased geopolitical jostling, and to derive maximum benefits from increased physical, social and economic integration across the region. This present edition also seeks to analyse contemporary developments and initiatives of major regional actors, which are likely to have many second-order impacts. Professor Vivek Mishra writes about India’s evolving articulation of security that creates a seamless expanse of national interests – from continental homeland to the vast maritime expanse of the Indo-Pacific. Focusing specifically upon India’s maritime security strategy, he describes the manner in which India has begun to use a combination of military and non-military means to ensure security and stability in the region. Professor Baljit Mann presents his perspectives on the changing dynamics of India’s Indian Ocean policy. He postulates that the change is driven by economic growth premised primarily on India’s ability to use the global common, its “great power” aspirations, China’s attempts to gain influence in the Indian Ocean Region, and the USA’s renewed focus upon this part of the world. As more and more people turn to the oceans for economic sustenance, greater demands will inevitably be placed upon maritime search and rescue, and also upon disaster-relief facilities,