‘Indian Ocean Is More Than Other Regions’: Jaishankar Calls For Recognition Of Rebuilding Process

Last Updated:March 07, 2026, 13:05 IST

He emphasised that restoring trade routes and strengthening connectivity across the region are key elements of this rebuilding effort.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean Region, saying the region is undergoing a broader process of recovery and rebuilding that requires sustained diplomatic efforts and cooperation among states.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Jaishankar said, “Indian Ocean Region is an ecosystem…Indian Ocean, much more than other parts of the world, is in the process of recovery and rebuilding. Individual states are doing that, but the whole region as a whole, restoration of trade patterns, connectivity…This whole rebuilding process of the Indian Ocean needs to be recognised… A lot of this requires hard work. In the last decade, Indian diplomacy has invested a lot in this process…"

He emphasised that restoring trade routes and strengthening connectivity across the region are key elements of this rebuilding effort. The external minister noted that India has significantly expanded its diplomatic engagement in the region over the past decade to support stability, economic cooperation and regional integration.

“If we have to build a kind of an Indian Ocean sentiment or identity, it has to be backed up with resources, work, commitments, practical projects… There are different dimensions of how you build the Indian Ocean… On why the Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country – we are right in the middle of it… With our growth, other countries of the Indian Ocean stand to benefit. Those who work with us will get more benefits… The rise of India will be determined by India… It will be determined by our strength, not by the mistakes of others," he added.

The minister also urged greater attention to the safety of merchant ships operating in waters that could become zones of conflict.

“Indians are a large segment of people who man merchant ships. Every time there is an attack on a vessel carrying goods, it is very likely that a part of the vessel is manned by Indians," he said.

He added that the issue deserved serious attention, noting recent casualties. “We should give a lot of weight to this because we have had fatalities in the last few days," he said.

“There has got to be adequate recognition in the country about the interest of our people, the merchant mariners and what we could be doing to safeguard them," the minister said.

He further noted that India’s response to regional crises is shaped by the large number of Indians living in the Gulf. “Our approach to the crisis is driven by the fact that we have 9-10 million people living in the Gulf. Their well-being is a factor just as much as that of merchant shipping has to be," he said.

“Countries have their own interests, their economic or energy concerns, and, naturally, our policies will take all of that into account," he added, stressing that the concerns of the merchant marine sector had not received adequate attention. “I felt the merchant marine part has not got the prominence," he said.

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