The name Indian Ocean often raises a common question: does India actually control the ocean that bears its name? The debate has resurfaced after tensions in the region intensified following the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena, which was reportedly torpedoed by a US Navy submarine near Sri Lanka.
The incident has sparked discussion about India’s role and responsibilities in waters often considered part of its strategic neighbourhood.
IRIS Dena Incident Near Sri Lanka
The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which had recently participated in a naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, was reportedly struck by a torpedo while sailing in waters about 40 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Officials confirmed that the attack occurred in international waters, meaning it was outside India’s legal jurisdiction. Defence analysts note that although the location was close to India’s maritime neighbourhood, it did not fall within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The event has nonetheless drawn attention because it occurred close to India’s coastline and highlights how global powers operate in the broader Indian Ocean region.
Why Is It Called the Indian Ocean?
The Indian Ocean gets its name primarily due to India’s geographical position. The Indian subcontinent extends deep into the ocean, placing the country at the centre of major maritime routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Historically, the waters surrounding the subcontinent were frequently referred to in relation to India, which eventually led to the modern name of the ocean.
However, the name does not imply ownership. Like all global oceans, the Indian Ocean is governed by international maritime law and shared by many countries.
India’s Maritime Jurisdiction Explained
India’s maritime authority is defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an international treaty that regulates how oceans are divided and used.
Under these rules:
- Territorial Sea (0–12 nautical miles): India exercises full sovereignty, similar to land territory.
- Contiguous Zone (12–24 nautical miles): India can enforce laws related to customs, immigration, and sanitation.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles): India has sovereign rights to explore and use marine resources such as oil, gas, minerals, and fish.
India’s EEZ covers roughly 2.3 million square kilometres, making it one of the largest maritime zones in the world.
Major energy resources like the Mumbai High offshore oil fields lie within this zone.
Where International Waters Begin
Beyond the 200 nautical mile EEZ, the ocean becomes part of the high seas, which do not belong to any country.
These waters are open to all nations for activities such as:
- Navigation
- Scientific research
- Fishing
- Military operations
The IRIS Dena incident occurred outside India’s EEZ and was therefore considered part of the wider international maritime space.
India’s Strategic Role in the Region
Although India does not control the Indian Ocean, the region is critically important for the country’s economy and security.
More than 90% of India’s trade by volume travels through these waters. To safeguard maritime routes, India maintains a strong naval presence with aircraft carriers, submarines, and strategic bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
At the same time, global powers such as the United States and China also operate in the region, making the Indian Ocean a key theatre of international strategic competition.
A Shared Ocean
Despite carrying India’s name, the Indian Ocean remains a shared global maritime space governed by international law. India’s legal jurisdiction extends 200 nautical miles from its coastline, but its strategic interests and security concerns reach far beyond those boundaries.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
