• Location: it is a region of the northern Indian Ocean.
• It is bounded on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, Gulf of Aden and Guardafui Channel, on the northwest by Gulf of Oman and Iran, on the north by Pakistan, on the east by India, and on the southeast by the Laccadive Sea and the Maldives, on the southwest by Somalia.
• Basin Countries: India, Iran, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Yemen
• Gulf Connections: It connects to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz and to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aden.
• It has been a major trade route for centuries, linking the Middle East, India, and East Africa.
• It is part of vital sea lanes used for transporting oil and goods between Asia, Europe and Africa.
• Ports and Harbors
  • Mumbai Port, India
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), India
  • Karachi Port, Pakistan
  • Port Qasim, Pakistan
  • Gwadar Port, Pakistan
  • Salalah Port, Oman
  • Mormugao Port, Goa, India
  • Kochi Port, India
  • Mangalore Port, India
  • Chabahar Port, Iran
• Islands: Astola island, Basavaraj Durga Island, Bundal Island, Charna Island, Chiffon Oyster Rocks, Khiprianwala Island, Lakshadweep, Malan Island, Manora Island, Masirah Island, Piram Island, Pitoran, Shams Pir, Socotra.
• It has one of the world's three largest oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) or dead zones.
• Major Disputes
  • India vs. Pakistan: Dispute over Sir Creek impacts Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) delimitation. India's concerns over Gwadar Port and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through disputed territory. Increased naval presence and militarization in the Arabian Sea.
  • Pakistan vs. Oman: Minor disputes over fishing rights and maritime boundaries.
  • Somali Piracy: Pirate attacks on ships, especially near the Gulf of Aden.
  • Iran vs. Western Powers: Threats to disrupt oil routes due to sanctions and tensions.

Location of Arabian Sea