Editing Indian Ocean (section)

== Economy and transport ==

The Indian Ocean supports major economic activity. Its uses include shipping, fishing, offshore energy production, port services, undersea communication cables, coastal tourism, and the movement of fuel, food, minerals, manufactured goods, and other materials.

Shipping routes across the Indian Ocean connect East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe. The ocean is especially important for energy transport from the Persian Gulf and for container routes between Asian ports, African ports, and European markets.

Coastal cities and port regions along the Indian Ocean developed as centers of trade, administration, migration, fishing, naval activity, and resource movement. Inland roads, railways, pipelines, and river systems often connect interior regions to Indian Ocean ports.