Strategic Maritime Environment in Indian Ocean: Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan

Abstract

This article examines various dynamics of strategic maritime environment in Indian Ocean and then describes its relevance with respect to Pakistan. Indian Ocean has become pivotal zone of strategic rivalries and cooperation. The confluence of various regional and extra-regional actors is complicating geo- political and geo-strategic environment of Indian Ocean. It has ramifications for Pakistan. This article aims at examining the challenges as well as opportunities for Pakistan emerging in the complex strategic milieu in Indian Ocean. This would help to suggest various policy recommendations which may be used to make an all-encompassing maritime strategy for Pakistan by the policy makers. The article aims to analyse the strategic maritime environment of IOR through the lens of Neo-realism. It makes evident that the Indian Ocean's changing geo- political and geo-strategic environment requires Pakistan to formulate a holistic Indian Ocean policy in order to meet the challenges and to avail the opportunities.