GEOPOLITICS OF INDO PACIFIC AND MARITIME SECURITY IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA

BACKDROP
General
1. The Indo-Pacific region is widely accepted as extending from the shores of East Africa to the Western Pacific Ocean Islands, including significant chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. Of late it has begun to figure prominently in the global geopolitical discourse. The geopolitical discourse on Indo Pacific began sometime in August 2007 when then Japanses Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in his speech to the Indian Parliament referred to the confluence of the Indian & Pacific Ocean describing it at “The dynamic coupling of seas of freedom and of prosperity” in the broader Asia.

India’s Maritime Tradition
2. India has a rich maritime history going back to the early first century AD. It was a formidable maritime power with trade routes connecting it to the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia. As a result of its maritime trade, India established a deep connect with the surrounding seas. The Indo-Pacific is the primary maritime corridor for India’s trade with Asia- Pacific countries, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Maritime routes, especially through the Suez Canal, are crucial, as they carry a significant portion of its trade. Ensuring the security of these vital maritime corridors against growing threats such as regional conflicts and piracy is crucial for safeguarding the country’s economic interests.

3. Surya Foundation organised a Round Table discussion by eminent experts on “GEOPOLITICS OF INDO PACIFIC AND MARITIME SECURITY IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA”. After deliberations the recommendations, enumerated below emerged and are given in the succeeding paragraph.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
4. In recent years, China’s assertive maritime behaviour, including the militarization of islands and challenges to the maritime interests of neighbouring states and the US, together with the deployment of approximately 250 Chinese vessels in the Eastern Indian Ocean poses a serious threat to regional stability. This aggressive behaviour in the maritime domain is part of a broader security challenge China presents to India, extending beyond their continental disputes. Historical rivalries have intensified due to initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strategic military placements, all designed to curtail India’s traditional sphere of influence.

Central and Western Indian Ocean
5. Of late the Indo Pacific has acquired a broader connotation including the Central and the Western Indian Ocean. Over the last year, this area has also begun to show growing military activity. The Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, are becoming important choke points. Iraq and United Arab Emirates are important littoral states controlling maritime communications and trade.

6. Chinese Challenge. China has been a security challenge not just across the continental border but also in the maritime domain. Our integrated command in Andaman & Nicobar and now the new base in

Lakshdweep, Jatayu need to be seen as attempts to break the Chinese from these strangleholds. The Chinese strategy to gain control of ports in Sri Lanka and islands in Maldives are part of the same Chinese strategy. The challenges posed by China underscore the need for concerted regional and international cooperation.

7. The Quad : An Evolving Framework. Formally established in 2017, the Quad comprises Australia, India, Japan and the USA. Focused on health, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and economic areas, the Quad represents a strategic effort to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, as a strategic security dialogue, plays a pivotal role in addressing the complex security implications for India and ensuring the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.

RECOMENDATIONS
Strategy
8. Neighbourhood First. There is a need to double down on our Neighbourhood First policy but with sensitivity and understanding of the scene in the countries in our neighbourhood and not providing opportunities for others.

9. We must ensure clear and consistent communication of India’s strategic objectives and policies in the Indo-Pacific for maintaining the trust and cooperation of international partners while deterring potential adversaries.

10. Strengthen Bilateral and Multilateral Partnerships. India should continue to enhance its strategic ties with countries within the Indo-Pacific region, including the US, France, and other like-minded nations, to bolster maritime security and counterbalance China’s growing influence.

11. Regional Leadership. Embrace role as a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing the causes of smaller states and islands in global forums, and driving regional security frameworks that promote stability and cooperative security.

12. Two-Fold Strategy. Adopt a clear-cut two-fold strategy: -
(a) Pushing an integrated and holistic policy approach towards the Indo-Pacific as a whole.
(b) Focusing on the complex situation in the Indian Ocean region, the real priority for India.

13. Allocation of Responsibilities. Within India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific, a confidential and agreed allocation of responsibilities may be worked out, with the US in the lead backed by Japan, Australia and South Korea for the Pacific, and with the U.S. and India in the co-lead supported by the UK, France and Japan for the Indian Ocean.

Diplomatic
14. Diplomatic Alignment. India should enhance its diplomatic engagements to build alliances and partnerships that reflect its strategic interests and contribute to regional stability.

15. Maritime Diplomacy. Continue to develop and deepen strategic partnerships with like-minded countries through bilateral and multilateral engagements, focusing on maritime security, capacity building and information sharing.

16. European Union. Focus on getting the European Union (EU) to shed its studied ambiguity and encourage it to become more clearheaded about the serious threat represented by China.

17. Iran. India needs to review its relationship with Iran, given that the bjectives of the current regime in Tehran do not seem to be in onsonance with India’s strategic and economic interests in the western ndian Ocean, and may harm our important ties with the US, Israel, UAE nd Saudi Arabia. Defence 18. Planning. Differentiate between the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Western Indian Ocean:
(a) India is the main net security provider in Eastern & Central Indian Ocean.
(b) It should patrol/secure Western Indian Ocean in partnership with other Navies
(c) QUAD should function like an ‘Asian NATO’
(d) China needs to be confronted and contained.
(e) India should play a role as per its capacities focusing on its own maritime security.
19. Deployment of Assets & Regional Security. India should deploy its naval assets in Western Indian Ocean up to the Red Sea. It should stay away from South China Seas / Western Pacific.

20. Strengthen QUAD Cooperation. Deepen engagements within the QUAD framework, focusing on high-tech areas, dual-use technologies, and maritime security, to ensure a collective response to regional challenges.

21. Budgetary Allocation for the Indian Navy. Allot a substantially higher budgetary allocation for the Indian Navy because ‘capability coupled with assertiveness represents the real deterrence.’

22. Focus on Maritime Port Construction. Prioritize the development of maritime ports to regulate and benefit from the substantial trade flows through the Indo-Pacific, enhancing India’s strategic position and economic benefits in the region.

23. Maritime Security and Infrastructure. India must invest in upgrading its maritime security capabilities, including surveillance, naval strength and infrastructure, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, to ensure a credible deterrence against potential threats.

24. Infrastructure Development. Invest in maritime infrastructure and capabilities, including enhancing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) security and supporting regional Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) initiatives.

25. Upgrade Material Capabilities. Enhance India’s defense and technological capabilities through partnerships with advanced nations and the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies.

Economic
26. Economic Independence from China. Diversifying trade partnerships and reducing economic dependencies on China are crucial for strengthening India’s strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific.

27. Regional Economic Integration. Engage in regional trade agreements and economic partnerships to strengthen economic resilience and foster cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations, countering China’s economic dominance.

28. Bilateral Relations. Accord less attention to ASEAN as a collective and more to India’s bilateral relations with four or five of its members - Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and possibly Malaysia or Myanmar.

29. Sub-Regional Plurilateral Grouping. Promote the creation of a new sub-regional plurilateral grouping of eight countries: four from South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar) and four from amongst the island states (Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, and Comoros) with the twin goals of strengthening cooperation relating to maritime security and leveraging the potential of the Blue Economy.

Community Engagement
30. Focus on the Northeast. Economic and social development in the Northeast along with sensitive management of border areas, is crucial for securing India’s strategic objectives and improving regional connectivity.

31. Community Engagement. Resort to community engagement, especially in border regions, to secure India’s long-term strategic interests.