Strategic report says New Delhi must strengthen its presence from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca to safeguard trade and energy security
India should broaden its maritime strategy beyond the western Indian Ocean and adopt a more integrated approach stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca, according to a new analysis by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The report argues that rising geopolitical tensions and growing competition across key sea lanes demand a stronger and more coordinated Indian maritime posture.
The study notes that the Strait of Hormuz remains vital for India’s energy imports, while the Strait of Malacca serves as one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Any disruption at either chokepoint could affect global supply chains, increase shipping costs and threaten India’s economic and energy security.
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According to the ORF report, India can no longer view these maritime regions as separate strategic theatres
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Instead, it recommends a comprehensive approach that combines naval capability, diplomatic engagement, infrastructure development and partnerships with regional countries to ensure secure sea lines of communication
The analysis also highlights the strategic significance of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are located close to the Strait of Malacca. Strengthening military infrastructure, surveillance capabilities and logistics in the islands would enhance India’s ability to monitor commercial shipping and respond rapidly to regional contingencies, it says.
The report comes at a time when maritime security has gained greater prominence following recent tensions in West Asia and increasing concerns over the vulnerability of critical global shipping routes. Analysts have warned that disruptions at maritime chokepoints can have far-reaching consequences for international trade and energy markets.
The ORF concludes that India’s future maritime strategy should balance deterrence, regional cooperation and economic resilience, enabling the country to protect its national interests while contributing to stability across the wider Indo-Pacific.
