Indian Naval Modernization in IOR: Implications for China

Abstract

This research explores Indian naval modernization in the Indian Ocean Region and its strategic implications for Sino-Indian relations. By assessing India's naval advancements and China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, the study evaluates the shifts in regional power dynamics. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the research involves a comparative analysis of oceanic strategies, naval capabilities, and geopolitical ambitions of India and China. This examination draws on primary and secondary sources, including government reports, scholarly articles, and maritime security analyses. The findings reveal that India's naval modernization is a strategic response to counter China's assertive influence in the IOR. The buildup of India's naval forces and partnerships aims to enhance its maritime security, deter Chinese expansion, and assert dominance in the region. Conversely, China's Belt and Road Initiative and military base establishment pose significant challenges to India's strategic autonomy. The research concludes that Indian naval modernization is pivotal in reshaping the security architecture of the IOR. However, this modernization drive also intensifies the Sino-Indian rivalry, making the IOR a central theater of power competition in Asia.