India, at the head of the Indian Ocean and in the heart of the Eastern Hemisphere, commands trade routes in every way. It is the most powerful country among the littoral states due to its position, size, and economic resources. The Indian Ocean is the world's only ocean named after a country, namely India. This only served to highlight India's early importance when these oceans were given their names. The trans-Indian Ocean routes that connect Asia's developed countries in the east must avoid India's coastline. India is the only country in the world with such a vast coastline on this ocean. The majority of air routes connecting Europe, West Asia, and Africa to East Asia, South East Asia, Japan, and Australia pass through India.

The centrality of India, and thus its importance in broader Indian Ocean geopolitics and economics, has been demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt. The West Asian Muslims and European colonial powers were drawn to India because of its position as the main entry point into a lucrative maritime trading network. Due to its riches and function as a fulcrum on which the imperial and commercial systems in Asia were balanced, India became the 'jewel in the crown' of the huge British Empire.

As a result, India holds a crucial strategic position on the global stage in terms of trade, as well as social and cultural engagement. India is an idea. India has been a long-term experiment. India is unique, and there is no other country like it.