♤ The 2015 IMSS Document explains that the term Net Security Provider Includes

o “…the state of actual security available in an area, upon balancing prevailing threats, inherent risks and rising challenges in the maritime environment, against the ability to monitor, contain and counter all of these.”

♤ In the process, India’s role in this context also stands clarified. India seeks a role as a ‘net security provider’ in the region, rather than being a ‘net provider of security’ as a regional ‘policeman.’

♤ The Joint Strategic Vision with the US (2015), Japan’s inclusion into the Malabar Exercise, bilateral exercises with countries like Japan, Australia and Indonesia and re-engaging with the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and South Pacific island nations – all signal India’s preparedness for a critical role in the Indo-Pacific region.