SHANTI Initiative And The Bay Of Bengal: Significance And Challenges

Source: The Hindu
GS II: India and its Neighbourhood–Relations

Why in the News?

India proposed the SHANTI (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity) framework as a maritime governance model while launching India’s candidature for the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term.

News in Brief

• The Bay of Bengal is emerging as a strategic bridge connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• The region has gained strategic importance amid growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.
• The initiative seeks to deepen cooperation with Bay of Bengal littoral countries through security, connectivity, trade and sustainable development.

SHANTI Initiative 

Core Purpose & Background

• UNSC Campaign Vision– Launched in July 2026 at UN Headquarters as India’s guiding approach for global governance, peace, and multilateral cooperation.
• Evolution of Maritime Vision– Builds directly on India’s previous regional doctrines—SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region, 2015) and MAHASAGAR (2025).
• Operationalizing Strategy- While SAGAR and MAHASAGAR set broad geographic and strategic goals, SHANTI provides the practical, operational framework to implement them.

Key Pillars of SHANTI

• Norms- Respect for international law, rules-based order, and cooperative maritime behavior.
• Trust– Confidence-building measures, transparent communication, and information sharing.
• Integrity- Open, inclusive governance and reliable regional partnerships.

Regional Focus

• Bay of Bengal Anchor- The framework is initially being operationalized in the Bay of Bengal (leveraging groups like BIMSTEC) as a pilot region before expanding into the broader Indo-Pacific.
• First Responder Role- Positions India as a preferred security provider, focusing on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and tackling non-traditional maritime threats.

Significance of SHANTI Initiative

• Promotes Security, Navigation, Trade, Connectivity and Inclusive Development.
• Boosts maritime domain awareness and regional disaster response.
• Drives blue economy cooperation and sustainable marine resource management.
• Strengthens regional partnerships through capacity building and infrastructure.

Bay of Bengal – An Ideal Region for the SHANTI Framework

• Shared maritime ecosystem – Cyclones, marine pollution, and fish stocks transcend national boundaries, making regional cooperation essential.
• Common climate challenges – Littoral states face similar threats from cyclones, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events.
• Strategic maritime connectivity – The Bay links South Asia with Southeast Asia and provides access to the Strait of Malacca, a vital global shipping route.
• Stable regional environment – Compared to the western Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal has relatively lower levels of geopolitical conflict, enabling cooperative maritime governance.
• Strong institutional foundation – Regional mechanisms such as BIMSTEC provide an established platform for collaboration on security, connectivity, disaster management, and economic integration.
• Geopolitical Gateway- Acts as India’s primary access point to the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia.
• Maritime Defense- Supports India’s maritime security, through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to secure critical sea lanes.
• India’s cooperative leadership model – The region allows India to promote a rules-based, inclusive, and trust-driven maritime order through the SHANTI framework.

Significance for India

• Regional Leadership- Solidifies India’s primary security role in the Indo-Pacific.
• Multilateral Ties- Empowers the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as a core cooperative body.
• Supply Chain Resilience- Expands trade avenues and enhances national energy security.

Key Challenges

Geopolitical & Traditional Security

• China’s Footprint- Beijing seeks alternative access routes through regional ports to bypass the Malacca chokepoint.
• Myanmar Instability- Local conflict halts vital cross-border links like the India–Myanmar–Thailand Highway.
• Response- Boost maritime tracking using regional intelligence hubs and coordinate security at the National Security Adviser level.

Economic & Infrastructure Connectivity

• Trade Barriers- Slow customs checks and poor port facilities stall commerce.
• Financing Limits- Lack of funds delays regional building projects.
• Response- Apply the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement and align port rules.

Institutional Gaps & Trust Deficit

• Fragmented Groups- Existing regional bodies work in isolation rather than together.
  • Smaller neighbors worry about India holding an oversized power balance.
• Response- Build inclusive corridor rules and open decision-making processes.

Environmental & Non-Traditional Threats

• Eco-Risks- Rising seas, severe storms, and illegal fishing damage coastal stability and fish stocks
• Response- Set up joint disaster response frameworks and push for green ocean economies.

Conclusion

The Bay of Bengal offers India an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation through the SHANTI framework by promoting maritime security, connectivity, and sustainable development.

By complementing initiatives such as Act East, SAGAR, and BIMSTEC, India can foster a stable, inclusive, and resilient maritime order while enhancing its role as a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. The Bay of Bengal connects the Indian Ocean with the Strait of Malacca.
2. BIMSTEC includes only South Asian countries.
3. SAGAR is India’s maritime vision promoting regional security and cooperation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 3 only

Answer: A

Mains Practice Question

Q. “The Bay of Bengal is central to India’s maritime security and Indo-Pacific strategy.” Discuss the significance of the SHANTI initiative in strengthening regional cooperation and strategic stability. (250 words)

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