The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a complex environment, in which four continents border and many countries operate (Bhaskar & Kemp, 2011 ). IOR maritime security is an extremely broad area of ​​concern. This covers everything from terrorism, physical security of ports and ships, to the security of energy resources in the future (Brewster, et al., 2013). The main maritime security challenges of the IOR include maritime borders/conflicts, energy and mineral resource security, asymmetric threats and organized crime. Boundaries and maritime disputes exist within the IOR. This can create conflicts between states when it comes to determining which territory rightfully belongs to them (Laipson, 2009). The main players in the region are the United States, China and India. There are several choke points within the IOR and these present a clear risk to users of these waterways (Herbert-Burns, 2012). The IOR has a large amount of energy and mineral resources and is a fishing hotspot, which provides a staple food for the population. population of many countries (National Intelligence Council, 2012). Resource security poses a major security challenge for countries in the region and has led to disputes over maritime trade and territory in the past. Asymmetric threats and organized crime are two significant security challenges still present within the IOR. This includes terrorism, piracy, smuggling of illegal goods and human trafficking (Herbert-Burns, 2012). The emergence of these security challenges is continuous and difficult to combat, given the size of the region. These presented problems constitute the main security challenges of the IOR in the 21st century. A multidimensional approach adopted by all countries in the region will be the most appropriate method to address ...... middle of document ...... relevant states and U.S. security interests through 2020 and 2040. Washington, DC: The Stimson Center. Nitschke, S. (2002). Two years after the attack on the USS “Cole”: maritime terrorism, counter-terrorism, trends and measures. Naval Forces, Vol. 23 (no. 6), 12-13. Pandaya, A., Herbert-Burns, R. and Kobayashi, J. (2011). Maritime trade and security: the Indian Ocean. Washington, DC: Stimson. Potgieter, T. (2012). Maritime security in the Indian Ocean: strategic framework and characteristics. Institute for Security Studies, No. 236, 1-24.Roeschke, J. (2009). Ecoterrorism and piracy on the high seas: Japanese whaling and the rights of private groups to enforce international conservation law in neutral waters. Villanova Environmental Law Journal, Vol. 20 (No. 1), 99-138. International Institute for Strategic Studies. (2007). Iran's terrorist sponsorship. Strategic comments, 1-2.