Agnihotri, Kamlesh K

Abstract
In the 21st century, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a key region on the global maritime map. The region, significant for global energy and trade transfers, however, finds itself threatened by unlawful activities like piracy and maritime terrorism. While various mechanisms are in place for tackling piracy in the Gulf of Aden and in the Malacca Strait, there needs to be greater focus on maritime terrorism, now taking deep roots in the region. As constituent nations strive for a coherent maritime security architecture in the IOR, there is a need to frame acceptable rules for the “global commons” that account for the vast expanse of large maritime spaces in the region. The possibility of evolving a cooperative and participative “Asian Maritime Partnership” to tackle the maritime threats and challenges at the regional level must also be explored.
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