A Survey of Indian Ocean Region Maritime Security: Technological Advancements and Innovative Solutions

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is an important region in the global oceans due to its location and population along with emergence of new world power centers in the form of countries linked with this ocean. Major trade and energy lines pass through this ocean due to which maritime security and stability of the region are very important. To overcome these requirements, traditional as well as innovative solutions are required to be implemented. A paradigm shift is also required to enhance Regional Arrangements for Regional Disaster Response as well as Search and Rescue Operations for which role of technology in improving maritime security cannot be underestimated. This requirement rises from increasing mutual security concerns from states both in the IOR and Asia Pacific region. Technological developments are posing new threats to countries from non-state actors and causing states to mutually cooperate. As a result, emergence of these problems requires regional and global strategies for mutual cooperation. This paper presents an overview of maritime security challenges in the IOR. The role of technological advancement and innovative solutions in improving maritime security in IOR is discussed. It is hypothesized that using advanced technologies the maritime security of the IOR can be improved.