The globally most significant maritime choke points, namely the Gulf of Aden, the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, are situated in the Indian Ocean. The security challenges in the region – ranging from failing states to rivalry between major powers – pose ongoing threats to maritime security and free passage through maritime choke points. Germany’s prosperity depends on unrestricted international sea trade and unimpeded access to raw material markets. Ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean is therefore in Germany’s fundamental interest.