Abstract
The Indian Ocean is hugely important for the health of India’s economy as the country is a net energy importer and since ancient days, Indian customs and influence have spread to nations far and wide through the maritime realm. However, of late, China has been trying to wade into what India has traditionally seen as its own backyard. China’s Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiative, which seeks to increase Beijing’s influence in the Indian Ocean region, is a step in this direction. This article seeks to analyze how India should respond to the MSR. It will weigh the costs and benefits of New Delhi joining/staying out of the MSR and will lay down what should be India’s response.
Highlights
In the hoary past, Indian influence and culture spread to distant shores in Southeast Asia, East Asia, East Africa and many other parts of the world through the maritime realm
Once the country became independent in 1947, the focus turned inward and India became more of a continental power. This was partly dictated by geography and partly by necessity, as New Delhi got embroiled in land wars with its western neighbour Pakistan and a short border war with its northern neighbour, China
There are some reports which say that China is planning to build a canal across the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand, which could be a potential game-changer for the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region
Summary
The Indian Ocean is hugely important for the health of India’s economy as the country is a net energy importer and since ancient days, Indian customs and influence have spread to nations far and wide through the maritime realm. Of late, China has been trying to wade into what India has traditionally seen as its own backyard. China’s Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiative, which seeks to increase Beijing’s influence in the Indian Ocean region, is a step in this direction. This article seeks to analyze how India should respond to the MSR. It will weigh the costs and benefits of New Delhi joining/staying out of the MSR and will lay down what should be India’s response. The power to protect merchant fleets has been the determining factor in world history Alfred Thayer Mahan (The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783)
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