India's Island Outreach: Strengthening Defence and Diplomacy

India's Island Outreach program is one of the most exciting and innovative initiatives taking place in the country today. It is aimed at strengthening India's defence and diplomacy through enhanced engagement with countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

Story of India's Island Outreach

The story of India's Island Outreach dates back to 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a bold new vision for India's foreign policy in his keynote address at the Indian Council of World Affairs. In his speech, Modi outlined the concept of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and emphasised the importance of India's maritime neighbourhood to the country's security and prosperity.

Following this speech, India began to build a comprehensive strategy of engagement with its island neighbours. The aim was to promote greater maritime security, economic development, and cultural ties across the region. This led to the formation of the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which seeks to strengthen India's relations with neighbouring countries through enhanced connectivity, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Examples of India's Island Outreach in Action

India's Island Outreach program is making a tangible difference to the region. Here are some of the most notable examples of its impact so far:

• India has provided patrol boats and other naval equipment to countries like Seychelles, Mauritius, and Maldives to enhance their maritime capabilities and improve security in the region.
• India has extended a $100 million line of credit to Seychelles to support its infrastructure development and economic growth.
• India has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries in the region to enhance cooperation in areas like defence, trade, and culture.
• India has launched several development projects in collaboration with its island neighbours, including the construction of a cricket stadium in Maldives and the development of a port in Mauritius.

The Power of India's Island Outreach

There are several reasons why India's Island Outreach program is so effective:

1. Strategic Importance: India's island neighbours occupy a strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region, making them key partners in ensuring regional security and stability.
2. Shared Interests: India and its island neighbours share common interests, including a desire for economic growth, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
3. Trust and Cooperation: India's Island Outreach program is built on trust and cooperation, with India working closely with its island neighbours to devise initiatives that benefit all parties involved.

Conclusion

India's Island Outreach program is a shining example of how diplomacy and development can go hand-in-hand to create more prosperous and secure communities. By strengthening its engagement with its island neighbours, India is positioning itself as a key player in the Indian Ocean Region, with the potential to shape the future of the region for years to come.

If you're interested in learning more about India's Island Outreach program, be sure to check out some of the resources below:

• Reference URLs: https://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/india-reaches-out-to-its-island-neighbours/
• Hashtags: #IndiaIslandOutreach #DefenceDiplomacy #IndianOceanRegion
• Article Category: International Relations