The Indian Ocean, uniquely named for a single nation, has long been the pathway of India’s civilisational outreach and is a reflection of India’s enduring maritime identity. India and the Indian Ocean: Shaping Pathways for Peace and Security, edited by Anurag Bisen and Esha Banerji, presents a timely exploration of India’s maritime vision and its engagement in the region. Bringing together practitioners and scholars, this volume examines how India’s SAGAR and the MAHASAGAR Vision, rooted in its civilisational ethos and ancient seafaring traditions, can be operationalised to foster cooperative governance, strengthen regional architectures and safeguard shared maritime commons. Through in-depth analyses of issues such as blue economy, maritime domain awareness, crisis coordination, the volume highlights actionable pathways for India and its partners to advance peace, stability and inclusive growth across the region. Emphasising India’s role as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, the volume offers a forward-looking roadmap for building a secure, connected and sustainable Indian Ocean community.

Anurag Bisen is a veteran submariner who commanded a Sindhughosh-class submarine and is currently Senior Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation,  New Delhi.

Esha Banerji is presently a Research Assistant at the Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi, where she is affiliated with the China Desk.