Competitive Regionalism in the Indian Ocean: India vs. China

Keywords: Indian Ocean geopolitics, India-China rivalry, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indo-Pacific strategy, chokepoints, strategic competition, maritime security

Introduction

The Indian Ocean, once perceived as a peripheral strategic arena during the Cold War, has emerged as a key region in global geopolitics. The rise of Asian economies, including India and China, coupled with the Indian Ocean’s critical role as a global trade hub, has transformed it into a contested space. As the Indo-Pacific framework gains traction, the region is witnessing competitive regionalism, with India and China vying for influence.

This article delves into the evolving dynamics of the Indian Ocean, focusing on the geopolitical competition between India and China, the region’s institutional landscape, and its strategic importance in global trade and security.

1. The Indian Ocean’s Growing Strategic Relevance

The Indian Ocean’s importance is underscored by its role as a conduit for global trade. Key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Malacca Strait handle a significant portion of the world’s energy and commercial trade. Consequently, securing these chokepoints has become a top priority for stakeholders.

The introduction of the Indo-Pacific strategic framework has further elevated the Indian Ocean’s importance, integrating it with the Pacific Ocean to form a unified geopolitical theatre.

2. Institutional Regionalism: The Role of IORA

The establishment of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 1997 marked a turning point in fostering regional cooperation. IORA serves as a platform for littoral states to address economic and security challenges collectively.

India, a founding member and key architect of IORA, has leveraged the forum to advance its vision of regional stability and economic growth. By advocating for inclusive and rules-based maritime governance, India aims to counterbalance growing external influences, particularly China.

3. India’s Strategic Position in the Indian Ocean

India’s geographical location makes it a natural power in the Indian Ocean. Its strategic initiatives include:

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): India’s vision for maritime cooperation and security.
• Project Mausam: Reviving ancient maritime cultural and trade linkages in the region.
• Naval Expansion: Strengthening its naval capabilities to ensure security and dominance in its primary area of interest.

India has also cultivated strategic partnerships with littoral countries, such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, to solidify its influence.

4. China’s Growing Presence

China, although not geographically an Indian Ocean power, has intensified its efforts to expand its influence in the region.

China’s Strategic Objectives:

• Economic Interests: The Indian Ocean is crucial for China’s energy imports and trade routes.
• Maritime Silk Road (MSR): Part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), MSR aims to enhance China’s connectivity with Indian Ocean littoral states through infrastructure projects.
• Military Presence: Establishing naval bases, such as in Djibouti, and enhancing its blue-water naval capabilities.

Bilateral Engagements:

China’s approach involves forging bilateral ties with littoral states through developmental assistance, particularly in infrastructure development. Projects such as Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port exemplify its strategy.

5. India-China Rivalry in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean has become a theater for India-China competition, driven by their contrasting visions and strategic objectives.

India’s Concerns:

China’s increasing presence, including its “String of Pearls” strategy (a network of Chinese-funded ports and facilities), poses security challenges for India. This has led New Delhi to strengthen its alliances with the Quad (India, the US, Japan, and Australia) and other regional actors.

China’s Challenges:

China faces resistance from littoral states wary of debt dependency and strategic overreach. India’s deep-rooted cultural and historical ties in the region also provide New Delhi with a soft-power advantage.

6. The Role of External Powers

The Indian Ocean’s strategic importance has attracted the involvement of external powers, such as:

• United States: Focused on ensuring freedom of navigation and countering Chinese influence.
• Japan and Australia: Key partners in the Indo-Pacific strategy, supporting India’s efforts to counterbalance China.
• European Union: Increasingly interested in securing trade routes and promoting regional stability.

7. The Way Forward

The Indian Ocean’s future will be shaped by how regional and global powers navigate its geopolitical complexities. Key priorities include:

• Strengthening IORA: Enhancing its role as a platform for cooperative security and economic initiatives.
• Maritime Security: Ensuring the security of critical chokepoints through multilateral efforts.
• Sustainable Development: Addressing environmental challenges and fostering economic growth through inclusive initiatives.

India and China must balance competition with cooperation to ensure the Indian Ocean remains a space for shared prosperity rather than conflict.

Conclusion

The Indian Ocean is no longer a passive bystander in global geopolitics. It has emerged as a dynamic region where the aspirations of rising powers like India and China intersect. While competition is inevitable, fostering cooperation through institutional mechanisms and multilateral engagement can transform the Indian Ocean into a cornerstone of regional and global stability.

In this era of competitive regionalism, the Indian Ocean’s destiny will hinge on how its stakeholders navigate the intricate interplay of rivalry and collaboration.

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