This complex and unstable area, which is progressively becoming the new centre of gravity of a rapidly changing world, on the one hand includes countries in crisis, or seeking recognition on the international stage, and on the other hand countries undergoing particularly rapid development and growth. Apart from the two demographic giants of the planet—China and India—the Gulf monarchies, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and others are exhibiting exciting economic dynamism, to the extent of pulling other countries along in their wake. The United States is also a major actor in the region, in which it stations impressive maritime forces.

France, as an Indian Ocean riparian state, has genuine responsibilities in this lively area. As a priority it must protect its more than a million citizens there, as well as its sovereign territories and maritime areas: the islands of Reunion, Mayotte, the islands around Madagascar and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). It is also bound by defence or military cooperation agreements with a dozen states in the region, particularly in the Persian Gulf.

One of the essential features of the theatre is the strategically important flow of oil, which increases every year and, more generally, trade between Europe and Asia. These sea routes constitute the ‘arteries of globalization’ and the world’s economic growth and prosperity directly depend on them. The security of the trade routes which cross this ocean, especially those passing through the straits of Bab el-Mandeb, Hormuz and Malacca, is therefore of the greatest importance for France.