The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance

The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of

great significance. Why? 

OR 

How does India occupy an important strategic position in South Asia? Illustrate your answer by explaining three

suitable points. 

Answer: The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance because of the following reasons: 

1. The trans Indian Ocean routes which connect the countries of Europe in the West and the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to

India. 

2. The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, help India establish a close contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the

eastern coast. 

3. India has a long coastline on the Indian Ocean which become favourable trading ports and commerce hubs for other countries. 

4. The coastal regions of India are famous for agriculture, trade & industrial centres, tourist centres, fishing and salt making. They provide important hinterlands for the ports. 

5. Opening of Suez Canal in 1869 reduced the distance between India and Europe by 7000 kms.