Law Enforcement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Role of Public and Private International Maritime Security Organizations for Effective Ocean Governance

Abstract

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a geostrategic and geopolitical entity which is the hub of global flows; particularly trade, commerce, regional connectivity, communication, and interplay of states and non-state actors in the region and still marked by strategic decisions made in accordance with state goals and interests. The involvement of non-state actors has made the region quite complex and widens the challenges of ocean governance in the region. Moreover, its choke points, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and natural resources make it attractive for all rational actors. The objectives of undertaken research are; to demonstrate the role of public and private organizations in ocean governance and to analyse the efficacy of public and private maritime security organizations in the IOR. The international institutions which are involved in maritime law enforcement are INTERPOL, IMO, Europol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which endeavours to ensure law under their mandates. Furthermore, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the guide for law enforcement in the IOR and responsible for ensuring ocean governance. The undertaken research is descriptive and analytical in nature based on qualitative research methodology. Secondary data has been used in the undertaken research including research articles, books and reports besides blogs as a tertiary source. Furthermore, research has been analysed in the context of neo-liberal institutionalism.