Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)

17 Nov Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)”. This topic has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)?

About “Indo-Pacific”?

For Mains:

GS 2: International Relations

Significance of the Indo-Pacific Region:?

Why in the news?

The Indian Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, recently addressed the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), expressing concerns over the militarization of the Indo-Pacific and the fragile security situation in the South China Sea.

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD):

• Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) was Jointly hosted by the Indian Navy and the National Maritime Foundation.
• Highlighted the fragile security situation in the South China Sea, emphasizing violations of established Codes of Conduct as a clear threat to regional order.
• Admiral R Hari Kumar warned of China’s aggressive behavior, its violation of established codes of conduct, and the potential for conflicts arising from differing interpretations of international laws.

 

About “Indo-Pacific” :

The term “Indo-Pacific” has gained prominence over the last decade, reflecting the interconnected strategic significance of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. This concept has risen in prominence due to the recognition of these oceans as a linked strategic theater, driven by shifting global dynamics, particularly the centrality of Asia in international affairs.

Significance of the Indo-Pacific Region:

• Strategic Theater:
  • Acknowledges the interconnectedness of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific as a unified strategic theater.
  • Maritime routes in these regions are central to global trade, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping geopolitical dynamics.
• Economic Activity and Population:
  • Encompassing four continents—Asia, Africa, Australia, and America—the Indo-Pacific region stands as one of the most populous and economically active areas globally.
  • With 60% of the world’s population and two-thirds of global economic output, it serves as a crucial global economic center.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
  • The Indo-Pacific region is a significant source and destination for Foreign Direct Investment.
  • Many critical and large supply chains have a connection to the Indo-Pacific, underscoring its importance in the global economic landscape.
• Abundance of Marine Resources:
  • The combined Indian and Pacific Oceans house vast reserves of marine resources, including offshore hydrocarbons, methane hydrates, seabed minerals, and rare earth metals.
  • Littoral countries, with sizable coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), possess competitive capabilities for exploiting these valuable resources.
• Global Economic Players:
  • Home to several of the world’s largest economies, the Indo-Pacific region includes influential players such as India, the U.S.A, China, Japan, and Australia.
  • The concentration of economic power in the region further solidifies its impact on global economic dynamics.

 

India’s Concerns:

• IMEC Project:

• • • India’s upcoming India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) faces potential hindrance due to China’s presence in the Indian Ocean.
    • IMEC involves multimodal economic corridors, integrating shipping, railways, roadways, electricity cables, high-speed data cables, and a hydrogen pipeline.

• China’s ‘Grey Zone’ Tactics:

• • • China’s use of ‘grey zone’ tactics in the Indo-Pacific to coerce neighbors and expand territorial claims.
    • Grey Zone Tactics is a strategic approach in which a nation seeks to gain advantages over another without engaging in overt warfare. It involves a set of tactics, such as cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and economic pressures, aimed at subtly undermining or destabilizing an adversary. China has demonstrated notable proficiency in employing this strategy, particularly in its interactions with India and neighboring countries.
    • Expansionist moves extend from the South China and East China Seas to the land frontier with India.

• Increasing Militarization:

• • More than 50 warships from extra-regional forces deployed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for various missions, including anti-piracy patrols off the Gulf of Aden.

 

Way Forward:

• International Partnerships:

• • • Strengthen ties with like-minded nations to enhance security in the region.
    • Engage in partnerships and alliances with countries that share similar concerns.

• Maritime Security Initiatives:

• • • Develop and participate in initiatives focused on enhancing maritime security.
    • Involve joint patrols, information sharing, and coordinated efforts to combat piracy and other maritime threats.

• Economic and Infrastructure Development:

• • • Invest in infrastructure and economic development in the region.
    • Economic stability contributes to overall security, reducing tensions between nations.

• Soft Power Diplomacy:

• • Utilize soft power elements, including cultural exchanges, educational programs, and economic cooperation.
  • Build positive relationships and understanding among nations through diplomacy beyond military strategies.

Source:‘India has stakes in Indo-Pacific stability’ (msn.com)

 

Q.1 With reference to the Indo-Pacific Region, consider the following statements:

• The Indo-Pacific region encompasses four continents—Asia, Africa, Australia, and America.
• The Indo-Pacific region constitutes 60% of the world’s population.
• The Indo-Pacific region contributes to two-thirds of the global economic output.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2, and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c)1 and 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

 

ANSWER: A

 

Q.2 Which of the following terms refers to a strategic approach in which a nation seeks to gain advantages over another without engaging in overt warfare, utilizing tactics such as cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and economic pressures to subtly undermine or destabilize an adversary?

(a) Guerrilla Warfare
(b) ‘Grey Zone’ Tactics
(c) Asymmetric Warfare
(d) Conventional Warfare

 

ANSWER: B

 

Q.3 Discuss the geopolitical significance and challenges associated with the Indo-Pacific region in the context of evolving global dynamics.