IOR back ground. statics and current effects

good for students who learn ir

1. QUICK FACTS Geographic Extent : The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, covering approximately 70.56 million square kilometers, bordered by Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Southern Ocean. Economic Importance : It is a critical trade route, especially for energy supplies, with major sea lanes and chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and the Bab el Mandeb. Resources : It is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas reserves, minerals, and marine life. Key ports and economic zones in countries like India, Indonesia, and Australia play critical roles in international trade.

2. QUICK FACTS The Indian Ocean region includes 38 littoral countries. The Indian Ocean is the world's third-largest ocean covering approximately 70.56 million square kilometers . Approximately 80% of the world’s seaborne oil trade transits . crucial chokepoints Strait of Hormuz: 40% of the global oil trade Strait of Malacca : 35%, Strait Bab el-Mandeb : 8%​ Global Trade : maritime ransport 50%, passes through the Indian Ocean Population : approximately 2.7 billion people( 35% of the world's population .) Global economy : about 22% of global GDP and 16% of global trade.

3. Major Rivers: Several major rivers drain into the Indian Ocean, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Zambezi, ​

4. Littoral Countries of the Indian Ocean: East Africa : Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa South Asia : India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives Southeast Asia : Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore West Asia : Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates Island Nations : Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius Strategic Interests : Major powers are actively engaged in the region to secure maritime routes and establish military bases. The U.S. maintains a presence through its Indo-Pacific Command, while China pursues its Maritime Silk Road initiative .

5. Regional Cooperation : Organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) promote regional cooperation on economic, environmental, and security issues . Tourism : The Indian Ocean's islands and coastal regions, such as the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius, are major tourist destinations known for their natural beauty and marine activities​ Security Challenges : The region faces threats such as piracy, especially off the coast of Somalia, and territorial disputes over maritime boundaries . It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oil fields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia .

6. BACKGROUND AND HISTORORICAL IMPORTANCE OF IOR 1. Ancient Trade Routes : The Indian Ocean was central to ancient maritime trade routes connecting the civilizations of Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Ancient Egypt. It facilitated trade in spices, textiles, and other valuable goods (Chatham House). 2. Colonial Era : During the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries), European powers, including Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain, and France, sought control over the Indian Ocean to dominate the lucrative spice trade. Strategic ports and islands, such as Goa, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and the Malacca Strait, became critical colonial outposts (Chatham House) (UNESCO Documents).

7. 3. Imperial Naval Power : The Indian Ocean was a strategic naval theater during the British Empire's expansion. Control over the Suez Canal (opened in 1869) further cemented the ocean's importance for British colonial and commercial interests, allowing for faster sea routes between Europe and Asia (Chatham House ). Modern Geopolitical Significance 4. Global Trade and Energy Supplies : The Indian Ocean is a major conduit for global trade, especially for energy supplies. Major oil and natural gas routes pass through the region, including critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and the Bab el-Mandeb. Approximately 80% of the world’s maritime oil trade flows through these straits (Chatham House).

8. Strategic Military Presence : Several global powers, including the United States, China, and India, maintain significant naval presences in the Indian Ocean to protect their strategic interests. The U.S. Fifth Fleet operates out of Bahrain, and China's base in Djibouti highlights the region's military importance (Chatham House) (Foreign Policy Research Institute ). Regional Security Concerns : The Indian Ocean region faces numerous security challenges, including piracy, particularly off the Somali coast, maritime terrorism, and territorial disputes. These issues necessitate international cooperation and robust maritime security frameworks (Foreign Policy Research Institute).

9. 7. Economic Significance : Countries around the Indian Ocean rim, including India, Indonesia, and Australia, are key emerging markets. The ocean's resources, such as fisheries, minerals, and potential offshore oil and gas reserves, are economically vital (UNESCO Documents). 8. Environmental and Climate Issues : The Indian Ocean is significant in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability. Issues such as coral reef depletion, rising sea levels, and natural disasters like tsunamis and cyclones pose major challenges to the littoral countries (UNESCO Documents).