Indian Ocean Region Developments And Strategic Partnerships

India is actively bolstering its strategic engagements within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), as demonstrated by the joint strategic vision articulated with France. This vision emphasizes open, inclusive, and transparent cooperation to foster peace, security, and prosperity in the IOR, a region vital due to its crucial waterways like the Suez Canal, Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, and Strait of Malacca.

These efforts are in response to growing concerns regarding China's expanding presence, which includes naval and air bases near Gwadar (Pakistan) and in Djibouti, along with control over the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka. In contrast, India is expanding its access to naval facilities, such as the port of Duqm in Oman and the modernized Chabahar Port near the Strait of Hormuz. Logistics agreements with the US and France further enhance India's reach, providing access to facilities like Diego Garcia and key bases in Djibouti and Réunion, respectively, while a deal with Singapore improves access to the Changi naval base. Key regional organizations involved include the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Indian Ocean Commission (COI).

India's Strategic Posture in the Indian Ocean Region: Counterbalancing China's Ascendancy

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a critical arena for geopolitical competition in the 21st century. The confluence of vital trade routes, abundant natural resources, and the rise of new global powers has transformed the IOR into a strategic hotspot. India, given its geographical location and historical ties, views the IOR as its strategic backyard and is actively engaged in strengthening its presence and influence in the region. This proactive approach is largely driven by concerns over China's expanding footprint in the IOR, which New Delhi perceives as a challenge to its regional dominance and security interests.

The year 2018 marked a significant period in India's strategic maneuvering in the IOR. A key development was the articulation of a joint strategic vision with France for cooperation in the region. This vision underscored the commitment of both nations to promote peace, security, and prosperity through open, inclusive, and transparent cooperation. The strategic partnership with France is particularly significant given France's historical presence and continued interests in the IOR, particularly through its overseas territories like Réunion and Mayotte.

Strategic Significance of the Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the Earth's total water surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south. The region is home to some of the world's most crucial sea lanes of communication (SLOCs), which are essential for global trade and energy flows. These include the Suez Canal, the Bab el Mandeb Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Malacca.

• Suez Canal: This artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, providing the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia. It is a critical artery for global trade, facilitating the movement of goods and energy resources.
• Bab el Mandeb Strait: Located between Yemen and Djibouti/Eritrea, this strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. It is a strategic chokepoint for oil tankers and other commercial vessels.
• Strait of Hormuz: Situated between Oman and Iran, this strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint, with a significant percentage of global oil supply passing through it.
• Strait of Malacca: This narrow stretch of water between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore connects the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. It is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, facilitating trade between Asia and the rest of the world.

The IOR is also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and fisheries. The region's coastal states are heavily dependent on these resources for their economic development and livelihoods. Furthermore, the IOR is home to a diverse range of cultures and societies, making it a region of immense historical and cultural significance.

China's Expanding Presence: The String of Pearls

China's growing economic and military power has enabled it to project its influence across the globe, including the Indian Ocean Region. Beijing's strategic approach in the IOR is often described as the "String of Pearls," a network of ports and infrastructure projects that extend from the South China Sea to the eastern coast of Africa. These projects are ostensibly aimed at promoting economic development and connectivity, but they also serve China's strategic interests by providing it with access to key maritime locations and enhancing its naval presence.

• Gwadar Port (Pakistan): Located on the Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan, Gwadar Port is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The port provides China with direct access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the congested Strait of Malacca.
• Djibouti Naval Base: China established its first overseas military base in Djibouti in 2017. The base provides China with a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa, allowing it to project its naval power into the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
• Hambantota Port (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka leased the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years in 2017 after it was unable to repay its debts. This deal has raised concerns about China's debt-trap diplomacy and its potential to use the port for military purposes.

China's growing presence in the IOR has raised concerns among India and other regional powers. India views China's String of Pearls strategy as an attempt to encircle it and undermine its regional influence. New Delhi is particularly concerned about the potential for China to use these ports and bases to project its naval power into the IOR and disrupt India's maritime trade.

India's Counter-Strategy: Strengthening Strategic Partnerships and Naval Capabilities

In response to China's growing presence, India has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen its position in the IOR. This strategy includes:

• Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: India is actively forging strategic partnerships with like-minded countries in the IOR, including France, the United States, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. These partnerships are aimed at enhancing maritime security cooperation, promoting freedom of navigation, and countering China's growing influence.
• Expanding Access to Naval Facilities: India is seeking to expand its access to naval facilities in the IOR to enhance its maritime domain awareness and project its naval power. This includes access to the port of Duqm in Oman, the Changi naval base in Singapore, and logistics agreements with the US and France.
• Modernizing Naval Capabilities: India is investing heavily in modernizing its naval capabilities, including acquiring new warships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft. This is aimed at enhancing its ability to protect its maritime interests and respond to emerging threats in the IOR.
• Promoting Regional Cooperation: India is actively promoting regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). These initiatives are aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting maritime security cooperation, and addressing common challenges in the IOR.

Key Strategic Partnerships

India's strategic partnerships with France, the United States, and Singapore are particularly important in the context of its efforts to strengthen its position in the IOR.

• India-France Strategic Partnership: The India-France strategic partnership is one of India's oldest and most comprehensive strategic relationships. Both countries share a common vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region. The joint strategic vision articulated in 2018 underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development. France has a significant presence in the IOR through its overseas territories like Réunion and Mayotte, which provide it with strategic access to the region.
• India-US Strategic Partnership: The India-US strategic partnership has deepened significantly in recent years, with both countries sharing concerns about China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), signed in 2016, allows India and the US to use each other's military facilities for refueling and replenishment. This agreement enhances India's ability to project its naval power across the IOR. The US also operates a major naval base in Diego Garcia, which is strategically located in the central Indian Ocean.
• India-Singapore Strategic Partnership: Singapore is a key maritime hub in Southeast Asia and a vital partner for India in the IOR. The two countries have a strong defense relationship, with India gaining enhanced access to the Changi naval base in Singapore. This access provides India with a strategic foothold in the eastern Indian Ocean and enhances its ability to monitor maritime activity in the region.

Expanding Access to Naval Facilities

India is actively seeking to expand its access to naval facilities in the IOR to enhance its maritime domain awareness and project its naval power.

• Port of Duqm (Oman): Oman is a strategically located country on the Arabian Sea coast, near the Strait of Hormuz. India has secured access to the port of Duqm, which allows it to refuel and resupply its warships and submarines. This access is particularly important given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil supplies.
• Chabahar Port (Iran): India has invested in the development of the Chabahar Port in Iran, which is located near the Strait of Hormuz. The port provides India with an alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. It also enhances India's strategic presence in the western Indian Ocean.

Modernizing Naval Capabilities

India is investing heavily in modernizing its naval capabilities to enhance its ability to protect its maritime interests and respond to emerging threats in the IOR. This includes acquiring new warships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft.

• Warships: India is building a range of new warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and corvettes. These warships are equipped with advanced sensors, weapons, and communication systems, enhancing India's naval capabilities.
• Submarines: India is also expanding its submarine fleet, including acquiring nuclear-powered submarines and conventional submarines. These submarines provide India with a stealthy and potent underwater capability.
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft: India is acquiring new maritime patrol aircraft, such as the P-8I Poseidon, to enhance its maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These aircraft are equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems.

Promoting Regional Cooperation

India is actively promoting regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): IORA is an inter-governmental organization that aims to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean Region. It brings together 23 member states and 9 dialogue partners to promote cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade and investment facilitation, disaster risk reduction, and tourism. While IORA is a significant platform for dialogue and cooperation, it suffers from limited enforcement mechanisms, hindering its ability to effectively address pressing regional challenges.
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): IONS is a maritime cooperation initiative that aims to increase maritime cooperation among the navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. It provides a forum for navies to share information, conduct joint exercises, and address common maritime security challenges. IONS operates primarily through non-binding agreements, which can limit the scope and impact of its initiatives.
• Indian Ocean Commission (COI): The COI is an intergovernmental organization comprising five island nations in the southwestern Indian Ocean: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (a French department), and Seychelles. Its mandate focuses on regional cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, maritime security, and economic integration among its member states. The COI's geographic scope, however, is limited to the southwestern Indian Ocean, which restricts its broader regional impact.

Key Terms Explained

• Indian Ocean Region (IOR): The area encompassing the Indian Ocean and its surrounding littoral states. It is a region of significant strategic and economic importance due to its vital trade routes, abundant natural resources, and geopolitical dynamics.
• Joint Strategic Vision: A shared understanding and plan between two or more countries for cooperation on strategic issues. It indicates a high level of trust and commitment to shared goals, as exemplified by the India-France Joint Strategic Vision for the Indian Ocean Region.
• Logistics Agreement: An agreement between countries to provide logistical support to each other's military forces. Such agreements enhance interoperability and facilitate military operations, as demonstrated by the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) between India and the United States.
• Net Security Provider: A country that contributes to the security and stability of a region. This term reflects India's aspiration to play a leading role in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem. This concept is increasingly important for sustainable development and economic opportunities in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly for coastal states.

Historical Precedents

• String of Pearls: China's strategy of building ports and infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Region. This strategy highlights the strategic competition in the region and has raised concerns among India and other regional powers. The ports developed under this strategy, such as Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka, are seen as potential dual-use facilities that could support China's military presence.
• Cold War Naval Competition in the Indian Ocean: During the Cold War, the Indian Ocean was a theater of competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both superpowers deployed naval forces to the region to protect their interests and project their power. This historical precedent underscores the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and the potential for great power rivalry.
• Historical Trade Routes Across the Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean has been a vital trade route for centuries, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. This historical context highlights the economic importance of the region and the need to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security. Trade routes such as the Spice Route and the Silk Road have historically traversed the Indian Ocean, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.

Stakeholder Positions

• India: India's official position is to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. Its underlying interests include protecting its strategic and economic interests, countering China's growing influence, and maintaining its regional dominance. To achieve these objectives, India is strengthening strategic partnerships, modernizing its naval capabilities, and promoting regional cooperation.
• China: China's official position is to promote economic development and connectivity in the Indian Ocean Region through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. However, its underlying interests include expanding its economic and strategic influence, securing access to resources, and challenging the existing regional order. China is building ports and infrastructure in the region, increasing its naval presence, and engaging in diplomatic outreach to achieve these objectives.
• France: France's official position is to collaborate with India to maintain stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region. Its underlying interests include protecting its strategic interests, promoting its values, and maintaining its presence in the region through its overseas territories. France is developing a joint strategic vision with India, enhancing maritime security cooperation, and engaging in diplomatic efforts to achieve these objectives.
• United States: The United States aims to ensure freedom of navigation, counter-terrorism, and maintain regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Its strategic approach involves strengthening alliances with countries like India and Australia, maintaining a strong naval presence, and promoting a rules-based international order.
• Australia: Australia seeks to promote maritime security, economic cooperation, and regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region. It is actively involved in initiatives like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and works closely with partners like India and Indonesia to address shared challenges.

Broader Implications

• Political: The increased geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean Region is leading to greater political instability and rivalry among regional powers. This competition is fueled by China's growing influence and India's efforts to counter it.
• Diplomatic: The strengthening of strategic partnerships between India and other countries is leading to a realignment of alliances and a shift in the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region. These partnerships are aimed at countering China's growing influence and promoting a rules-based international order.
• Security: The increased naval presence and competition in the Indian Ocean Region are raising concerns about maritime security and the potential for conflict. This competition is driven by the strategic importance of the region and the desire of various powers to protect their interests.
• Economic: The increased trade and investment in the Indian Ocean Region are driving economic growth and development in the region. This growth is fueled by the region's strategic location and its abundant natural resources.

Connections and Context

• Related Ongoing Issues:
  • China's Belt and Road Initiative: The BRI is a massive infrastructure development project that aims to connect China with the rest of the world through a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects. The BRI has significant implications for the Indian Ocean Region, as it could enhance China's economic and strategic influence in the region.
  • Indo-Pacific Strategy: The Indo-Pacific Strategy is a US-led initiative that aims to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The strategy is aimed at countering China's growing influence and promoting a rules-based international order.
  • Maritime Security: Maritime security is a major concern in the Indian Ocean Region, due to the presence of piracy, terrorism, and other maritime threats. India and other regional powers are working together to enhance maritime security and protect their interests.
• Historical Connections:
  • Cold War Naval Competition in the Indian Ocean: During the Cold War, the Indian Ocean was a theater of competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both superpowers deployed naval forces to the region to protect their interests and project their power.
  • Historical Trade Routes Across the Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean has been a vital trade route for centuries, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. This historical context highlights the economic importance of the region and the need to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security.
• Future Outlook: The future of the Indian Ocean Region is likely to be characterized by continued strategic competition, with India seeking to strengthen its position through partnerships and naval capabilities. China is likely to continue to expand its presence in the region, driven by its economic and strategic interests. The region will continue to be a hotspot for geopolitical competition and maritime security challenges.

The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region is undeniable, and India's proactive approach to strengthening its presence and influence is a clear indication of its commitment to safeguarding its interests and maintaining regional stability. The partnerships forged with like-minded countries, the expansion of access to naval facilities, and the modernization of naval capabilities are all crucial components of India's strategy to counterbalance China's growing assertiveness in the region. The coming years will be critical in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Region, and India's role in this evolving landscape will be closely watched by all stakeholders. The maritime domain will remain a key area of focus for India's foreign policy and security strategy, as it navigates the complex dynamics of power and influence in the Indian Ocean.