The Indian Ocean as cradle of a new blue economy

During UNCLOS (1970s–1980s), India aligned with small island developing states, supporting the idea that seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction are the “common heritage of mankind.”

Jawaharlal Nehru (1950s) emphasised the ocean’s centrality to India’s security and prosperity.

India has historically balanced development, equity, and environmental stewardship.

Climate change: warming, acidification, rising sea levels.

IUU fishing, coral degradation, and ecosystem collapse.

The Indian Ocean, home to one-third of humanity, is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable basins.

Indian Ocean as a shared and cooperative space.

Focus on ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries.

Proposal for a Regional Resilience and Ocean Innovation Hub:

• strengthens ocean observation

• early warning systems

• technology transfer to SIDS and African coastal states

Green shipping, offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine biotechnology.

Requires coordinated regional action and investment.

At the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (Monaco, June 2025):

• €25 billion pipeline + €8.7 billion new commitments

• Finance in Common Ocean Coalition → $7.5 billion annually

• Development Bank of Latin America → doubling target to $2.5 billion (by 2030)

At COP30 (Belém):

• One Ocean Partnership launched → mobilise $20 billion by 2030

India could establish an Indian Ocean Blue Fund, attracting contributions from development banks, philanthropy, and private sector.

Ocean insecurity arises from ecological collapse and climate stress.

IUU fishing, coral loss, coastal vulnerability → socio-economic instability.

India’s SAGAR doctrine (2015): zone of peace, stability and prosperity.

Indian Navy + Coast Guard can advance regional collaboration on:

• maritime domain awareness

• disaster response

• ecosystem monitoring

India’s approach: cooperative, consultative, outcome-oriented (Jaishankar).

Guiding idea: “From the Indian Ocean, for the World.”

1972 Stockholm warning by Indira Gandhi on balancing environment and development.

Global landmarks relevant to oceans:

• UNOC3 (Nice)

• COP30 (Belém)

• G20 Johannesburg

• Entry into force of BBNJ Agreement

India preparing to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, enabling leadership on:

• green shipping corridors

• blue bonds

• marine technology transfer

• well-governed ocean-based carbon removal

Opportunity for India as future chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

The Indian Ocean can become the cradle of a new blue economy balancing prosperity, sustainability, resilience, and justice.

A major global conference focused on achieving SDG-14 (Life Below Water).

Emphasis on:

• protecting marine ecosystems

• reducing marine pollution

• scaling up ocean finance

• strengthening marine science and technology cooperation

Countries showcased commitments toward sustainable blue economies.

Helps set the global agenda for ocean governance leading into 2026.

A climate conference where the One Ocean Partnership was launched.

Recognised oceans as central to climate stability and community resilience.

Committed to mobilising USD 20 billion for ocean-related action by 2030.

Strengthened the linkage between climate mitigation/adaptation and marine ecosystems.

Highlighted the role of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in climate resilience and sustainable development.

Included discussions on:

• scaling up climate finance

• supporting developing countries for oceans and coastal adaptation

• advancing nature-based solutions

Reinforced global political momentum for the blue economy.

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (i.e., the high seas).

Key elements:

• Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) sharing

• Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) and Marine Protected Areas

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

• Capacity building and technology transfer

Its entry into force marks a landmark moment in international ocean governance, shaping new global norms.

Statement 1: Correct.

Statement 2: Correct; applied especially to seabed resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Statement 3: Incorrect; India supported it alongside small island states.