The recently published Deep-Sea Research II special issue of scientific papers emanating from the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2). It showcases a diverse body of contemporary Indian Ocean research and includes papers on physical, chemical and biological oceanography, and covers trophic levels from phytoplankton to whales. With this volume the IIOE-2 moves closer towards achieving its overarching goal – to “…advance our understanding of interactions between geologic, oceanic and atmospheric processes that give rise to the complex physical dynamics of the Indian Ocean region, and determine how those dynamics affect climate, extreme events, marine biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems and human populations”. IIOE-2 Special Issue Volume 3