Title

Perspectives on Security in Indian Ocean Region

Author(s)

Devendra Kaushik

Language Publisher Publish Year

English Allied Publishers Private Limited 1987

INTRODUCTION The book focuses on developments in the Indian ocean area having serious implications for security both at regional and global level. The author views the peace zone concept as the most befitting strategy of the newly independent nations of the region to counter the US offensive.

CITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK. Prof. Devendra kaushik, in his book perspectives of security in Indian ocean region, has portrayed the importance of Indian oceanic region and therefore the need to secure it for our own benefit. His aim is to discuss the impact of geographic unity on the history of the region and the recent developments which have been leading to the problems of security in the Indian ocean region. According to him there is too much at stake for everyone in todays globalised world, and, therefore, there is a need to build a comprehensive security environment which is nurtured by faith and mutual cooperation. Absence of single common threat perception and vast variations in priorities has kept the Indian oceanic region diversified despite the fact that the socio-economic imperatives lead to common interests. According to him, there is a need to establish a common understanding of security, the concepts and practice, and the issues related to comprehensiveness and strategies to achieve higher levels of security. Given the diversity and varied issues prevailing in the region, it is obvious that no singular model of cooperation will be a panacea. Prof. Kaushik has discussed

how great powers of world like US, USSR, Japan and China have developed their strategies which suit the Geo-political characteristics of this region. But the author says that it must be clearly borne in mind for a proper perspective of events and developments taking place in indian ocean region. The countries in the region, must decisively reject the views often propagated by some circles such as there is little they can do to prevent escalation of militarisation of the Indian ocean by outside powers pending new developments in military technology which alone might hopefully alter the geostrategic significance of the region for the latter. This militarization of the Indian Ocean is direct threat to the security and economic development of the region and must be a matter of prime concern for littoral countries. And also, the great powers persistently refusing to withdraw its military presence from the Indian Ocean in the name of global strategy, must be identified and jointly pressured if the people of the region do not wish to lose their hard earned freedom. RECOMMENDATIONS Though his study is all-round yet he has not mentioned the strategies of India in relation with Indian oceanic region. Also, Prof. Kaushik has not briefed what role Indian Navy can play in sea denial and sea control over Indian oceanic region. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to understand the criticality and importance of the Indian Ocean and also the need of securing it from the external and internal threat.