Indian Ocean, the only ocean named after a country, is the third-largest body of water in the world, covering about 20 percent of the Earth's water surface. The IOR contains 1/3 of the world’s population, 25 percent of its landmass, and 40 percent of the world’s oil and gas reserves. It is the locus of important international Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs). This Region has long been a hub of great power rivalry. The struggle for its domination has ...
