Positioned strategically at the crossroads of global maritime trade, India has quietly emerged as a trusted partner across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
NEW DELHI: In contemporary geopolitics, naval power extends far beyond mere military might. Nations wield influence increasingly through the soft power tools of hydrography, meteorology, oceanography, and disaster preparedness. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of global maritime trade, India has quietly emerged as a trusted partner across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), championing regional stability and security through proactive hydrographic and meteorological diplomacy.
HYDROGRAPHIC DIPLOMACY
India’s engagement in hydrographic diplomacy is extensive, systematic, and deeply collaborative. By conducting comprehensive hydrographic surveys, India has helped IOR countries clarify maritime boundaries, manage maritime resources, and unlock economic potential.
In a notable instance, India’s hydrographic assistance facilitated Mauritius’ expansion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by an impressive 1.3 million sq. km. This enlargement not only bolstered Mauritius’ economic prospects but also mitigated maritime disputes by clearly defining territorial waters, a key step in stabilising regional interactions.
Similarly, Seychelles and Mauritius collaborated on a joint submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UN CLCS), which, with Indian support, resulted in significant economic gains through extended jurisdiction over maritime resources. India’s surveys thus play a crucial role in enabling nations to tap into offshore hydrocarbon and mineral reserves and sustainably manage fisheries—key to these island economies.
India’s hydrographic outreach extends beyond just economic benefits. Collaborative surveys with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have significantly reduced ambiguities concerning maritime boundaries, particularly fishing zones, thereby preventing inadvertent territorial incursions. Such proactive measures alleviate regional tensions and strengthen bilateral trust, demonstrating India’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
METEOROLOGICAL DIPLOMACY
Complementing its hydrographic outreach, India has rapidly advanced its meteorological and oceanographic capabilities, crucial in an era increasingly marked by climate-driven disasters. The recent Meghayan-25 symposium, hosted by the Indian Navy in April 2025, exemplifies this commitment. The event highlighted India’s integrated approach toward maritime security and regional resilience by featuring the participation of esteemed institutions such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), ISRO, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
A standout initiative from Meghayan-25 was the launch of the Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre-Indian Navy (MOSDAC-IN). This advanced platform provides customised satellite-derived weather forecasts, facilitating real-time alerts for cyclones, storm surges, and other maritime hazards. MOSDAC-IN significantly enhances operational safety and disaster response effectiveness by offering tailored data to regional naval commands.
India’s meteorological diplomacy also translates into tangible regional benefits. Cyclone vulnerability mapping, refined through Indian expertise, notably improved evacuation and mitigation strategies in Mauritius and Sri Lanka during the intense cyclone season of 2024. India’s satellite capabilities, notably the INSAT-3D satellite, further amplify disaster preparedness through precise oceanographic and atmospheric observations.
STRATEGIC CONTRAST: INDIA VS CHINA
India’s open capacity-building approach sharply contrasts with the opaque strategies adopted by China in the region. China’s growing presence in the Maldives via the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology recently raised serious concerns regarding dual-use technology and covert maritime surveillance capabilities. Indian assistance, conversely, focuses explicitly on transparency and skill development. Over 200 personnel from 15 IOR nations have been trained at India’s National Institute of Hydrography, enhancing their national capabilities and autonomy.
Moreover, China’s engagements often come attached with economic strings, whereas India’s cooperation through platforms such as MOSDAC-IN remains transparent and openly collaborative. By emphasising mutual benefit and regional ownership—core tenets of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine—India clearly distinguishes itself from China’s strategic indebtedness and dependency strategy.
BUILDING STRATEGIC TRUST AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION
India’s commitment extends further through training, joint initiatives, and multilateral cooperation frameworks. For instance, India’s collaboration with Oman, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania has significantly reinforced these nations’ maritime capabilities, empowering them to manage their maritime zones independently and sustainably. Such initiatives enhance their economic and environmental security and build enduring diplomatic trust.
India also effectively leverages multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). By chairing these influential forums in 2025, India actively promotes cooperative maritime governance, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (life below water). India’s advocacy for open hydrographic data-sharing platforms significantly boosts regional capacities in environmental and maritime resource management, further cementing its role as a constructive regional leader.
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY
India’s meticulous hydrographic and meteorological work delivers vital economic dividends. Accurate hydrographic charts and data enable the identification of commercially viable fishing grounds, mineral deposits, and hydrocarbon reserves. Enhanced navigational safety directly facilitates smoother maritime trade—critical for the economic vitality of small island nations dependent on maritime commerce.
Moreover, India’s expertise has significantly improved environmental and climate change resilience. Detailed coastal vulnerability assessments help regional nations better prepare for and respond to natural disasters, significantly reducing loss of life and economic disruptions. India’s strategic engagement thus effectively addresses critical vulnerabilities, ensuring sustainable regional development.
SECURE, PROSPEROUS INDIAN OCEAN
Through concerted hydrographic and meteorological diplomacy, India has positioned itself not merely as a regional power but as a trusted partner actively invested in the Indian Ocean’s collective well-being. By prioritising transparency, training, and genuine capacity-building, India’s maritime diplomacy counters adversarial influences while simultaneously fostering regional resilience and stability.
In this era of geopolitical competition, India’s approach—rooted deeply in collaborative security and economic development—stands in stark relief to coercive strategies employed by other major powers. The sustained, consistent, and transparent engagement demonstrated by India resonates with the long-term aspirations of IOR nations seeking dependable partners rather than dominating patrons.
Going forward, India’s continued investment in these areas—expanding hydrographic surveys, deepening meteorological cooperation, and strengthening institutional capacities within partner countries—will further consolidate its position as the preferred maritime partner. Such diplomatic endeavours embody Prime Minister Modi’s vision of SAGAR, affirming India’s resolve to foster inclusive growth, stability, and prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.
India’s hydrographic and meteorological diplomacy not only charts the physical contours of maritime boundaries but also maps a path toward sustainable peace, trust, and regional security, reinforcing India’s status as a responsible maritime power in a strategically pivotal region.
* Ashish Singh is an award