India’s approach to Oceania: Engaging the Pacific Island countries

Abstract

ABSTRACTIndia’s Indo-Pacific strategy has brought various States under the limelight, that were previously ignored or under recognised in Indian Foreign Policy. The Pacific Island Countries were often relegated to tertiary levels of strategic consideration during the Cold War by the policy makers in New Delhi. But ever since the growth of China and its Belt and Road Initiative, these countries have become increasingly important to all the players in the region. Since 2015, under the new construct of a unified Indo-Pacific, India has actively pursued countries in South East Asia under a new light, but in spite of a upswing in relations with Oceanic countries it has failed to enhance its influence in the region. This paper analyses India’s relations with various Pacific Island Countries, in context of the roles played by the United States, China, and Australia in the region It further identifies areas in which India needs to enhance its engagement with Oceanic States and capitalise on the bonhomie created after the two chapters of the Forum for Indo-Pacific Islands Cooperation.