The Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean: China-India Strategic Competition

Abstract

This study aims to examine China and India due to China’s growing maritime footprint through ventures as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and the development of port infrastructure in the Indian Ocean (IO) littorals, which India considers as its ‘backyard’ and deems China’s activities as its ‘encirclement’. This study explores the interplay of economic, strategic and security factors that shape the naval postures and regional engagements. The IO has emerged as a strategic arena for maritime contestation as the US and India maintain a robust presence to contain China’s expanding influence. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative approach utilizing content analysis of existing literature, including official policy documents such as China’s Defense White Paper, India’s Maritime Security Strategy, and academic literature. In conclusion, to offset China’s assertive activities, India has enhanced its naval expansion and forged alliances such as the Quad (the US, Australia and Japan), evolved the US-India partnership and initiated the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). This enduring strategic competition will continue to define the architecture of the IO. To recommend, it is suggested that to prevent escalation during naval encounters, stable communication channels should be developed between China and India. Both states need to strengthen joint maritime domain awareness (MDA) by expanding information-sharing networks and coordinated surveillance mechanisms.