The ocean located between Asia and Australia is the Indian Ocean. It is the third-largest ocean in the world, covering approximately 20% of the Earth's water surface. Bounded by Africa to the west, Asia to the north, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south, the Indian Ocean is crucial for trade and maritime navigation. It is also home to rich biodiversity and various ecosystems, from coral reefs to deep-sea trenches. The Indian Ocean plays a significant role in global climate patterns and has been historically important for exploration and cultural exchanges among civilizations surrounding it.