All at sea

While the recently concluded Indian Ocean Naval Symposium IONS was seen as a good beginning for India to play a role in marine matters, some discerning participants have left with a lingering confusion over the strategic and philosophical underpinnings behind the meet. In his inaugural address, the Prime Minister said that the conclave was part of India8217;s quest for an 8220;inclusive world order8221; and cooperation to 8220;ensure freedom of the seas for all nations8221;. However, Defence Minister A K Antony differed in nuance as he talked about the need to manage affairs with 8220;resources available within the Indian Ocean littoral8221; and the exclusion of 8220;extra regional8221; powers. His point of view was supported by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who said that alliances with extra-regional powers 8220;give the impression of being hegemonic8221;. However, the man behind the initiative, Navy Chief Sureesh Mehta, took the PM8217;s line and emphasised that the IONS was not based on the principle of 8220;exclusion8217;8221; but was founded on 8220;our unshakeable belief in inclusiveness8221;.