The Indo-Pacific region is broadly represented within academic and policy language in two contrasting views. It is a global geopolitical site of contestation between the United States and China. It is also the emerging locale of global economic growth, with developed economies desiring to be part of this economically connected and dynamic region. Within the greater Indo-Pacific area, the Indian Ocean region is characterized as simultaneously susceptible to increasing geopolitical contestation as well as demonstrating the promise of a dynamic economic region with increased levels of cooperation and connectivity. In this paper, Sinderpal Singh examines the prospects and challenges for increased cooperation within the Indian Ocean region as part of the larger Indo-Pacific area. He specifically explores the way the �blue economy� impacts the patterns of contestation and cooperation.