Previous Year Question
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Indian Ocean has become the Military bases of many big powers.
Reason (R): There is strong geo-political benefits in Indian Ocean and adjacent countries.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(A) is true, but (R) is false
(A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Assertion (A) is correct. The Indian Ocean has become an important region for the military activities of major world powers because of its strategic location, international trade routes, and energy transportation. Important examples include the United States military base at Diego Garcia, the French military presence on Réunion Island, and China's military support base in Djibouti.
Reason (R) is also correct. The Indian Ocean lies between Asia, Africa, and Australia and connects the energy-producing regions of West Asia with major markets in East Asia and Europe. Important maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Strait of Malacca enhance the geopolitical and strategic importance of the region. Countries located near these routes gain advantages related to trade, transportation, and maritime security.
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A). The important maritime routes, natural resources, and strategic location of the Indian Ocean encourage major powers to maintain a military presence in the region. Their principal objectives include protecting maritime trade, ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies, and maintaining regional influence. Thus, a causal relationship exists between the region's geopolitical significance and the establishment of military bases.
The Indian Ocean holds particular strategic importance for India. India's peninsular location and the geographical position of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide advantages in monitoring important maritime routes. In 2015, India introduced the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision to promote maritime security and regional cooperation.