Ramesh Reddy asked: What does it exactly mean when it is said ‘India is a net security provider in the Indian Ocean,’ and what are the factors responsible for the same?

Sarabjeet Singh Parmar replies: The broad meaning that one can discern from various statements made about India being a ‘net security provider’ in the Indian Ocean is about India ensuring a stable, secure and peaceful environment in the region. The main aspects that are viewed as responsible for this can be construed as follows: India’s predominant central geographic position in the region, especially overlooking the SLOCs that pass through the region. India’s military capacity and capability that has a distinct reach in the region due to its geographic position. India’s friendly relations and defence cooperation with most of the IOR nationS. Kalyanaraman India’s relatively strong economy and market capacity. India’s non-hegemonic stance and its will and ability to provide assistance when requested. Posted on April 07, 2014