NUCLEARIZATION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN BY THE SOUTH ASIAN RIVALS

Abstract

Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world, covering 20% of the
Earth’s surface water, it provides ample opportunities for cooperation and
contention. Where the Indian Ocean is desirous because of its location, regional
climate, hydrology, marine life, sea lines of communications, chokepoints, major
harbors, ports and blue economy potential, it is also quite dreaded as in addition to
washing up on shores of two South Asian nuclear powers (India and Pakistan), it has
also seduced powers like United States and China to dock in the IOR. The former
combo, in its quest to achieve defense invincibility, has embarked on Indian Ocean
nuclearization rampage while also being facilitated by the latter combo compelled by
their own vested interests. This research is modelled to be descriptive in its design
and qualitative in its nature. The data gathered to carry out this study has been
collected through secondary sources including different articles, journals and
websites etc. The study mainly focuses on the contributions and interests of the
superpowers and regional powers in the Indian Ocean and points out that for a
stable, secure and harmonious environment in the Indian Ocean, and concludes that
to keep the nuclear frenzy of South Asian and regional rivals in check, the extra
regional powers must rise to the occasion and refrain from playing favourites.