Blue economy and geopolitics: conflicting interests in resource utilization in the Indian Ocean

Abstract

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a strategic and economically vital maritime space, offering significant opportunities for sustainable development through the Blue Economy. This concept envisions the responsible utilization of ocean resources to support economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. However, the practical implementation of Blue Economy principles in the IOR is increasingly constrained by intensifying geopolitical rivalries, particularly between India and China. National initiatives such as India’s SAGAR policy and China’s Maritime Silk Road reflect broader strategic ambitions that often conflict with regional sustainability goals. This paper critically examines the intersection of geopolitics and the Blue Economy in the IOR, highlighting how competing interests undermine cooperative frameworks and lead to environmental degradation, infrastructure-driven debt burdens, and inequitable access to marine resources. It also explores the institutional limitations of regional bodies such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which lack the authority and cohesion to enforce sustainable governance. Through qualitative analysis of academic literature, policy documents, and case studies, this research reveals the structural and political challenges hindering equitable resource utilization. Smaller and less-developed states, in particular, face marginalization due to limited institutional capacity and strategic dependence on larger powers. The study concludes that realizing the full potential of the Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean requires a shift toward inclusive, multilateral governance rooted in environmental stewardship and regional cooperation. Strengthening institutional mechanisms, promoting transparency, and supporting capacity-building efforts are essential for fostering a balanced, sustainable, and geopolitically stable maritime future.