Through it all, India should focus on two important factors. First, we are acting for a collective good. Second, we have to mature out of our old “Indian Ocean mindset”. Acting in concert with others means we are involved in a naval grand coalition for an international cause and not a one-off, single-benefit action.

Besides, for long we have believed that if the big navies just sailed out of the Indian Ocean things would be peaceful. That belief was always unrealistic and utopian. In fact, international naval presence in the region will work to everyone’s advantage except the breakers of the peace. It is India’s call to engage its navy long term in this greater good. The future will vouch for what we gain in the process.