Islamabad, The Arms Control and Disarmament Center (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Study Center (IOSC), National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), organized a seminar on “India’s Maritime Buildup : Implications for Indian Ocean”, to address the crucial geopolitical and security dynamics of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The seminar was addressed by: Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), President NIMA; Vice Admiral (R) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, former Deputy Chief of Naval Staff; Brigadier General Zahir Kazmi, Director General of Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs (ACDA), SPD; Mr. Baber Bilal Haider, Vice President, NIMA and Director, IOSC, NIMA; and Rear Admiral (R) Syed Faisal Ali Shah, Honorary Research Fellow, NIMA. The seminar was moderated by Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director, ACDC-ISSI.
In his keynote address, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed highlighted that the Indian Ocean (IOR) is critical to global maritime trade, with approximately 80% of the world’s oil trade passing through its choke points. Control of these passages equates to significant geopolitical influence, underscoring the region’s role as a critical axis in global economic and security frameworks. The shift in global world order after the Cold War, the strategic use of choke point diplomacy and the potentially destabilizing effects of the AUKUS model in the IOR were discussed. The presence of major powers complicates the geopolitical environment, making the IOR a focal point for economic progress, strategic competition, and diplomatic engagement. He stressed the need for regional cooperation and dialogue to ease tensions and promote stability.
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said that the Indian Ocean plays a vital role as a vital maritime corridor that connects nations across Africa, Asia and Australia, highlighting its immense geopolitical importance on a global scale. He also elaborated on the role of the Indian Ocean as a key arena for diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation. He further pointed out that mastery of the Indian Ocean often equates to mastery over Asia, emphasizing its key role in shaping regional dynamics. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the active engagement of major powers such as the United States, Great Britain and China and countries such as Japan and India in the region and emphasized that the IOR is at the center of economic progress, geopolitical competition and strategic maneuvering. He also elaborated on India’s expanding naval capabilities, the role of India’s naval buildup in the militarization of the IOR, and the impact of these developments on Pakistan’s security and economic interests.
Malik Qasim Mustafa had earlier pointed out in his opening remarks that India wants to secure hegemony over the Indian Ocean with extra-regional powers and is trying to play the role of a “network security provider”. upgrade and build your blue water capabilities. This caused the nuclear use of the Indian Ocean. This growing presence of the Indian Navy threatens the peace and stability of the region. It has increased Pakistan’s threat perception and security concerns and could spark a conventional and nuclear arms race in the region.
Vice Admiral (R) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique elaborated on the great power contests in the IOR. He discussed the strategic importance of the IOR and the military dimensions shaping the environment in the region. He highlighted the non-traditional challenges that accompany this competition, including piracy, terrorism and human trafficking, which complicate an already tense maritime security environment. His remarks provided a broad overview of geopolitical tensions and highlighted the need for cooperative security frameworks to address these multifaceted challenges.
Brigadier General Zahir Kazmi shared his insights on India’s naval nuclear capabilities and their impact on deterrence stability. He explained how India was expanding its nuclear weapons at sea and how this could undermine regional deterrence and potentially lead to an arms race, increasing the risk of conflict. India’s unlimited military capabilities, including MIRVs, hypersonic and cruise missiles, pose a threat to power. Despite bilateral agreements, tensions remain and India’s inadequate security system deserves attention.
Mr. Baber Bilal Haider explored India’s naval ambitions and highlighted India’s strategic culture, which has been influenced by historical and ideological factors and guides its current policies. His analysis went beyond security issues to include regional stability and economic cooperation. He emphasized that India’s economic strategy includes imports, managing choke points, recognizing its economic strength and establishing a strong military base in the IOR.
Rear Admiral (R) Syed Faisal Ali Shah discussed Pakistan’s ambitions and achievements in strengthening its naval capabilities and safeguarding its interests amid regional challenges. His remarks highlighted the strategic importance of the Gwadar port and its potential to transform regional trade dynamics while addressing the security threats posed by the Indian naval build-up. He emphasized that the importance of the maritime area should be properly taken into account and the strategic focus should be shifted accordingly.
The meeting concluded with an engaging interactive discussion and dynamic question and answer session. BoG Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood distributed souvenirs among the speakers.
