Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific: International Law, Great Power Competition and Future of Regional Order

Abstract

Indo Pacific has become the main geopolitical and geo-economic arena of twenty first century, connecting two oceans, Pacific and Indian Oceans, with some of world's most strategic sea-lanes. This area is responsible for about two-thirds of all global sea-borne trade and for a significant amount of all energy-related shipping to and from the world. Maritime security is therefore a key regional and extra-regional issue for both. Meanwhile, strategic competition between big powers such as US and China has escalated tensions over maritime sovereignty, freedom of navigation, military presence and interpretation of international law. Legal norms and strategic competition in Indo-Pacific have converged in a new legal triangle of institutional arrangements, which has made it a hotspot. This article examines relationship between maritime security, international law and great power competition in shaping future regional order in Indo-Pacific. It critically evaluates legal framework established under United Nations Convention on Law of Sea (UNCLOS) (1982), while assessing effectiveness of international legal mechanisms in addressing contemporary maritime disputes and further explores strategic roles of various countries alongside emerging security arrangements such as Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) and AUKUS. Employing a qualitative doctrinal and analytical research methodology, this research synthesizes international legal instruments, judicial decisions, scholarly literature and contemporary policy documents to evaluate evolving patterns of maritime governance.