CHANGING GEOPOLITICS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN AREA

This comprehensive study examines the transforming geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region during the late Cold War period. The article analyzes how superpower competition, regional conflicts, and emerging maritime strategies were reshaping the strategic importance of this crucial waterway. The research investigates the increasing naval presence of both the United States and Soviet Union in the Indian Ocean, examining their respective base facilities, alliance structures, and strategic objectives. The analysis covers key regional hotspots including the Persian Gulf, Horn of Africa, and Southeast Asian approaches to the Indian Ocean. The article also explores how littoral states were responding to these external power interventions, examining their alignment choices, non-alignment strategies, and efforts to maintain regional autonomy. The study assesses the economic dimensions of Indian Ocean geopolitics, including the vital energy shipping routes, fishing resources, and emerging offshore exploration activities. Furthermore, the research evaluates potential future scenarios for the region's geopolitical evolution and their implications for regional stability and international security.

The Indian Ocean emerged as a critical theater of geopolitical competition during the late Cold War period, with this article providing a detailed analysis of the changing dynamics in this strategically vital region. The research begins by examining the historical context of Indian Ocean geopolitics, tracing how the region's significance evolved from colonial era to contemporary superpower rivalry. The analysis focuses on the naval strategies of both superpowers, detailing the United States' deployment patterns, base facilities in Diego Garcia, and alliance relationships with regional powers. Simultaneously, the article examines Soviet Union's growing naval presence, access arrangements with countries like South Yemen and Ethiopia, and strategic objectives in the region. The study investigates how regional conflicts—including the Iran-Iraq tensions, Afghanistan situation, and Horn of Africa disputes—intersected with superpower competition in the Indian Ocean. The research pays particular attention to the perspectives and responses of littoral states, analyzing how countries like India, Indonesia, Australia, and various Middle Eastern and African nations navigated the complex geopolitical environment. The article examines regional cooperation mechanisms that were emerging during this period, including the Indian Ocean Rim concept and various sub-regional initiatives. The analysis also considers the economic dimensions of Indian Ocean geopolitics, with special focus on energy security concerns given the region's crucial oil shipping routes. The research evaluates environmental and resource management issues, including fishing rights, mineral exploration, and environmental protection challenges. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article projects future trends in Indian Ocean geopolitics, considering factors such as changing naval balances, regional power aspirations, and potential conflict flashpoints. The findings provide valuable insights into how this crucial maritime region was becoming increasingly central to global strategic calculations during the early 1980s.