Indian Ocean in Global Strategies Some Perspectives

“Whoever controls the Indian Ocean dominates Asia. This ocean is the key to the seven seas. In the twenty-first century the destiny of the world will be decided on its waters”. - Alfred Mahan

The prospects for conflict and/or cooperation in the Indian Ocean are affected by multi-dimensional factors. These prospects, however, have an immediate and direct influence and relationship with the security environment of the Indian Ocean and its littoral states; and most of the factors, in fact, arise out the strategic environment itself.