Contemporary Challenges of Security in the Indian Ocean Region

Abstract

Post-2008, the surge of maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden highlights the growing non-traditional security threat in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Waters off the coast of Somalia has become an epicenter of the growing menace of piracy. These developments pose significant security threats to seaborne trade through the Gulf of Aden Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). In the wake of transnational nature of the contemporary security challenges in the IOR, it imperative for the international community to address the various issues in the IOR, through legal, diplomatic, military or any other appropriate measures, to ensure stability, safety and security in the IOR.