Expand Maritime Footprint to Check China

Context: India needs to expand its maritime footprint to check growing influence of China in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Reasons for which China is expanding its influence in IOR

• To nullify India’s strategic edge due to geography: and become global maritime power, by consolidating its role in the IOR.
• National Security priorities: China buys 40 % of its oil from the Middle East, thus the openness of the ocean’s seaways, access to ports in the IOR and the acquisition of a stake in them is important.
• Rising economic partnerships: 
  • Arms export: China is the top seller of arms to nations including India’s neighbours like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
  • Belt and Road Initiative:  Most countries in the IOR have joined it and thereby giving opportunity to offer them both investment and military gear.
  • Infrastructure projects: 
    • Ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
    • Built its first overseas naval base in Djibouti (strategically located at the southern entrance of Red Sea) in north-west Africa. 
  • Trade ties: 
    • Major import-export partner of India’s friend, Israel.
    • Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner and helping them in their ‘Vision 2030’.

India’s interest in IOR

• To ensure maritime security: Which has Strategic and economic imperative.
  • Indian Ocean is maritime sphere of India: Parts of the ocean comprise India’s territorial waters. 
  • Important trade route of India: Most of India’s trade by volume and all its vital oil imports traverse the ocean.
• To maintain a balance of power in the region: China’s naval strength in the Indian Ocean is greater than India’s.
• To realise its targets as Arms seller ($5 billion): India (23rd international arms seller) has offered  to sell arms to countries in the IOR (more than 20 countries including Madagascar and Singapore).

Steps taken by India to Increase its influence in IOR

• Increase role of Indian Navy: By significantly increasing its deployment of warships, submarines and other assets in the IOR.
• Coordinated efforts with likeminded countries: Logistics agreements with the United States, France and Australia.
• Vaccine diplomacy: provided free anti-Covid vaccines to many countries like Sri Lanka

Conclusion:  To counter Chinese politico-military strategy, arms sales, military strength and partnerships must be accompanied by more economic investment and trade with countries in the IOR.