| Summary/Abstract |
Even before the ‘Indo-Pacific’ narrative, the Indian Ocean has been historically a theatre of human interaction via maritime trade and a pivot of great power rivalry. The strategic location and economic potential of IOR makes it a volatile and troublesome region in the world. The emerging power dynamics in the region and contestation of power, resources, and dominance among the key players of the region— the US, China, Japan, Australia, India, and France, makes this area a dangerous conflict zone. The IOR (IOR) figures prominently in the strategic outlook of India and France who happen to be the main players of this region amid the growing footprint of China in the region. The strategic partnership has now been expanded to include the IOR, and both countries recognise the critical role they can play in maintaining regional peace, security, and stability. The increasing cooperation in the Indian Ocean is a step closer to the convergence in their respective policy towards Indo-Pacific.
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