Indo-Pacific Re-imagining the Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography

A variety of political priorities economic necessities and changing strategic perspectives are the catalyst for the concept of the ‘Indo-Pacific’. This large maritime space combines the Indian and the Pacific Oceans and offers numerous positive spinoffs in the form of cooperative agendas in the region. Several IORA Member States individually have an evolved position on the Indo-Pacific. They see themselves as natural partners of the Indo-Pacific and firmly believe in enhancing politico-diplomatic economic and strategic engagements with countries of Southeast Asia as also those in the Pacific region. They are committed to making the region inclusive open stable secure prosperous and visualize a rule-based order for the Indo-Pacific. It is also their belief that the existing maritime cooperative mechanisms in the Indian Ocean are successful models of cooperation for the Indo-Pacific. At the regional level the IORA Member States are focussed on enhancing maritime connectivity through development of ports and shipping and are augmenting digital connectivity for efficient supply chains. Maritime security and safetyis high on the agenda of the IORA Member States and common security concerns are being addressed through cooperative initiatives which are facilitated by dialogues that seek solutions for a favourable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean. Editors Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar a career diplomat joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1996. During her over 24 years career she has worked on various assignments both in New Delhi and abroad. At Headquarters Dr. Vijay Sakhuja is former Director National Maritime Foundation New Delhi India. He has been on the faculty of a number of think tanks and universities in India and overseas. A former Indian Navy officer Sakhuja specializes in Indo-Pacific affairs naval developments maritime security climate change Arctic issues Blue Economy and 4th Industrial Revolution technologies.