Sino-Indian Port Politics in the Indian Ocean Region

Authors

  • Maheen Butt Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore
  • Dr. Qudsia Akram Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58932/MULG0036

Keywords:

Port Politics, Indian Ocean, China-India, Indian Ocean Region, BRI, Maritime Silk Road, Overseas Port Projects

Abstract

This study evaluates the extent of Sino-India port politics in the Indian Ocean and its implications on the region. China, under the umbrella of BRI has started investing in ports of littoral Indian Ocean countries such as Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Iran etc. India has been accusing China of encircling it though these projects.  Since the commencement of BRI, Chinese and Indian presence has increased at key ports on major trade routes and surveillance points. The Indian national interests have been hurt by the Chinese investments in the port sector of Indian Ocean littoral countries. As counter measures, Indian has taken steps to revive its maritime policy, improve ties with global powers through QUAD alliance, foundational agreements with US, investments in ports of countries like Iran, Oman, Seychelles, Mauritius etc. and improving its navy and naval facilities. Sino Indian competition for resources and influence will have implications for the whole region. As the quest for energy increases between the two countries the economic integration will also increase in the region as compared to the past, especially through BRI projects. This can also result in the militarization of the Indian Ocean as both countries have increased investments in their respective naval forces. There is a need to find common ground so that the region can benefit and not face further problems.

References

AFP 2021, ‘India counters China in Sri Lanka with $700 million port deal’ Live Mint, October 1, <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-counters-china-in-sri-lanka-with-700-million-largest-foreign-investment-port-deal-11633046975815.html> [Accessed July 9, 2023].

Ali, S. 2020, 'Indo-US Foundational Agreements: Contributing to India’s Military Capabilities', CSCR Perspectives, no.18, pp 1-6.

Amirthan, S.2017, 'What are India, Iran, and Afghanistan’s Benefits from the Chabahar Port Agreement?', Strategic Analysis, vol 4, no.1, pp. 87-93.

ANIIDCO2021, 'Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report.', Nicobar District: ANIIDCO.

Baloch, S. 2018, 'CPEC’s Environmental Toll.'The Diplomat. April 18<https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/cpecs-environmental-toll/> [Accessed January 18, 2022].

Baruah, D. M.2015, 'The Small Islands Holding the Key to the Indian Ocean.'The Diplomat. February 24,< https://thediplomat.com/2015/02/the-small-islands-holding-the-key-to-the-indian-ocean/>[Accessed December 22, 2021].

Bashfield, S. 2021, 'Agalega: A glimpse of India’s remote island military base.' The Interpreter,March 02,<https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/agalega-glimpse-india-s-remote-island-military-base> [Accessed December 31, 2021].

Bashfield, S 2021, 'Why is India Building a Military Base on Agalega Islands?', Al-Jazeera, August 5, <https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/8/5/why-is-india-building-a-military-base-on-agalega-island> [Accessed July 8, 2023]

Bhattacharjee, S.2018, 'Chabahar Port and India.'RISPolicy Brief. no 80, pp. 1-4,<https://www.ris.org.in/sites/default/files/Publication/policy%20brief%2080-Chabahar%20port%20and%20India%20.pdf>, [Accessed January 3, 2022].

Brewester, D. 2020, 'India-China conflict: A move from the Himalayas to the high seas?'The Interpreter, July 10,<https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-china-conflict-move-himalayas-high-seas> [Accessed January 9, 2022].

Cahill, B, Mazzacco, I, Huang, C 2023, 'China holds the key to Global Energy Demands', Center for Strategic and International Studies, February 18, <https://www.csis.org/analysis/china-holds-key-global-energy-demand> [Accessed July 8, 2023]

Chan, E.S.Y. 2021,'China's Maritime Security Strategy: The Evolution of a Growing Sea Power'. New York: Routledge.

Chauhan, P. 2019, 'Energy Dimension of the Belt and Road Initiative.', Indian Journal of Asian Affairs, vol 32, no 1/2, pp.119-152.

Chaziza, M. 2018, 'China's Military Base in Djibouti', Mideast Security and Policy Studies, no. 153, pp. 6-27.

Chen, J. Yijie, F. Paul T. Xuezong T. 2018, 'Overseas Port Investment Policy for China’s Central and Local Governments in the Belt and Road Initiative', Journal of Contemporary China, vol. 28, no. 116, pp. 1.20.

Chohan, D. Chandio, A. 2021, 'Gwadar Port as an Economic Zone with Especial Reference to US and Indian Reservations on the Regional Part of South Asia',Journal of South Asian Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 97-105.

CRS. 2019, 'China’s Engagement in Djibouti.'Congressioanal Research Service. September 04, <https://sgp.fas.org/crs/row/IF11304.pdf > [Accessed December 8, 2021].

Das, C. 2019, 'India’s Maritime Diplomacy in South West Indian.'Journal of Strategic Security. vol. 12, no. 02, pp. 42-59.

Dixit, J. 2003, India’s Foreign Policy: 1947-2003. New Delhi: Picus Books.

Draper, P. 2019, Building Trade Integration Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Rim Association: A Technical Analysis. Adelaide: Institute for International Trade The University of Adelaide.

Freeman, P. 2018, 'China’s ‘regionalism foreign policy’ and China-India relations in South Asia.'Contemporary Politics. vol. 24, no. 1,pp .81-97.

FMPRC 2015, 'Vision and Action on Jointly Building Silk Route Economic Belt and 21-st Century Maritime Silk Road' Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, March 28, <https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/topics_665678/2015zt/xjpcxbayzlt2015nnh/201503/t20150328_705553.html> [Accessed July 8, 2023].

Garver, W. 2002, 'The security dilemma in Sino-Indian relations.'India Review,vol.1, no. 4, pp. 1–38.

Ghosh, P.2020, 'India’s Indian Ocean Region Strategy.'Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs.<https://media.defense.gov/2020/Aug/31/2002488089/-1/-1/1/GHOSH.PDF>.

Gupta, S 2020, 'BECA done, fighters and armed drones next as India turns US positive' Hindustan Times. October 7, <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-us-china/story-m0lDncNIZ8biYci35G6O6K.html> [Accessed July 8, 2023].

Hellinc Shipping News 2023, 'China Launches Direct Shipping Line to Iran's Chabahar Port' Hellinc Shipping News, January 3, <https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/china-launches-direct-shipping-line-to-irans-chabahar-port/> , [Accessed July 8, 2023].

Ibrahim, Z. 2017, 'CPEC and the environment: good, bad or ugly?'The Third Pole. June 23, <https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/regional-cooperation/cpec-and-the-environment-good-bad-or-ugly/> [Accessed January 13, 2022].

Indian Navy, 2015, Ensuring Secure Seas: Indian Maritime Security Strategy – Indian Navy.'Naval Strategic Publication, New Delhi, India.

Kaplan, R. 2011, Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power,. New York: Random House.

Khalid, I. Shaukat. Gul,A. 2017, 'Indian Response to Chinese String of Pearls Doctrine.'Global Political Review, vol.2, no.1, pp. 27-35.

Khetran, S. 2018, 'Gwadar and Chabahar: Cooperation or Competition.'Strategic Studies, pp: 43-55.<http://issi.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/3-SS_Mir_Sherbaz_Khetran_No-2_2018.pdf>

Kulshrestha, S. 2017, 'Three Ports Under China's Gaze.'IndraStra Globa, no. 8,pp. 1-7.

Li, K. 2018 'China and India Trade Competition and Complementary: Analysis of the “Belt and Road” Background.'Modern Economy, vol.9, no.7, pp. 1213-1227.

Lieberherr, B. 2021, 'Geostrategic Storm in the Indian Ocean', CSS Analyses in Security Policy, vol. 284, <https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/480516>

Mehdi, Z. 2020, 'India woos Iran to keep China away from Chabahar.'AA: Anadolu Agency. September 17, <https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/india-woos-iran-to-keep-china-away-from-chabahar/1976190> [Accessed January 3, 2022].

Miglani, S. and Thande, G. 2018, 'India boosts maritime reach with Seychelles pact to build naval facilities.'Reuters.January 31,<https://www.reuters.com/article/india-seychelles-idINKBN1FK1F5> [Accessed December 27, 2021].

Miller, T. 2017, China's Asian Dream: London: Zed Books.

Mohan, R. 2014, Samudra Manthan: Sino-Indian Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing: China Democracy and Law Press.

Morgan Stanley 2018, 'Inside China's Plan to Create a Modern Silk Route' Morgan Stanley, March 14, <https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/china-belt-and-road> [Accessed July 8, 2023].

Mukhtar, M. 2020,'India-Us Military Agreement: Beca and its Implications for the Region.'ISSI Issue Brief, pp.1-4, <http://issi.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IB_Misbah_Nov_17_2020.pdf> [Accessed December 26, 2021].

Muneer, Z. 2016, 'Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.'Center for Strategic and Contemporary Research Brief.<http://cscr.pk/pdf/rb/RB%20_LEMOA.pdf> [Accessed December 26, 2021].

Nian, P. 2018, 'China’s Strategic Outreach to Myanmar in NLD Era: New Progress, but More Challenges.'Note: Observatoire Chine.<https://asiacentre.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/23-Peng-ChineMyanmar_Janv2018.pdf>

Padmaja, G. 2018, 'Revisiting ‘SAGAR’ – India’s Template for Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.'National Maritime Foundation.<https://maritimeindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/revisitIng-SAGAR-Indias-template-for-cooperation-in-IOR.pdf> [Accessed December 31, 2021].

Pant,V. Ritika, P. 2017, 'India's Response to China's Belt and Road Initiative: A Policy in Motion.'Asia Policy, no.24, pp.88-95.

Patki, A.2021, 'The Andaman and Nicobar Islands: New Delhi’s Bulwark in the Indian Ocean.'The Diplomat.December 17,<https://thediplomat.com/2021/12/the-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-new-delhis-bulwark-in-the-indian-ocean/> [Accessed December 23, 2021].

Poling, B. 2018, 'Kyaukpyu: Connecting China to the Indian Ocean.'CSIS Briefs.<https://www.csis.org/analysis/kyaukpyu-connecting-china-indian-ocean> [Accessed July 8, 2023]

PTI 2018, 'India, Seychelles Agree to Work on Assumption Island Project', The Wire, June 25, <https://thewire.in/diplomacy/india-seychelles-assumption-island-project> [Accessed July 8, 2023]

Ramaswamy,M . Shivaswamy, A. 2018, 'India’s Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA): A dysphoria in disguise.'International Area Studies Review, vol.21, no.3, pp.271-286.

Roy, A. Caswaji, C. 2017,Strategic Vision –2030 Security and Development of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. New Delhi: Vij Books India Pvt Ltd.

Sherwood, D. 1994, Maritime Power in the China Seas: Capabilities and Rationale. Canberra: The Australian Defense Studies Center.

Shida, W. 2019 'The Challenge of India-US Security Cooperation to India’s Tradition of Strategic Independence.'China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, vol.29, no.3, pp.46-67.

Sial, P. 2017, 'Modi’s policy transition from Look East to Act East:a new initiative .'Internaional Journalof Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, vol.5, no.3-4,pp.342-360.

Singh, A. 2020. 'Will the India–China border conflict lead to a naval war?'Observer ResearchFoundation.<https://www.orfonline.org/research/will-the-india-china-border-conflict-lead-to-a-naval-war-68569/> [Accessed January 9, 2022].

Singh, C, Varadhan, S, Chew, C 2023, 'Explainer: Why has India's power demand surged?' Reuters, March 9, <https://www.reuters.com/world/india/why-has-indias-power-demand-surged-2023-03-08/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20India's%20power%20demand,10%25%20from%20a%20year%20ago.&text=Following%20are%20the%20factors%20behind%20the%20rapid%20growth%20in%20demand. >[Accessed July 9, 2023]

Singh, T 2014, 'The Malabar Exercises: India, Japan and the US' Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, January 31, <http://www.ipcs.org/comm_select.php?articleNo=4282> [Accessed July 8, 2023].

Small, A. 2015,The China-Pakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics. New York: Oxford University Press.

Taylor, M. 2008, 'Power Shifts and Escalation: Explaining China's Use of Force in Territorial Disputes.'International Security, vol.32, no.3, pp.44-83.

The Economic Times 2018, 'CPEC Violates Sovereignty: India tells China' The Economic Times, July 12, <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/cpec-violates-sovereignty-india-tells-china/articleshow/57296736.cms?from=mdr> [Accessed July 8, 2023]

Ward, J. 2017, 'Sino-Indian Competition in the Maritime Domain' China Brief, vol.17, no. 1.<https://www.refworld.org/docid/587cc49a4.html>

Zaobao, L. 2016, China Speeds up the Construction of Djibouti's Logistics Support Military Facilities, Zaobao, November 28, <https://www.zaobao.com.sg/special/report/politic/cnpol/story20161128-695419> [Accessed December 21, 2021].

Downloads

Published

30-06-2024

How to Cite

Butt, M., & Akram, D. Q. . (2024). Sino-Indian Port Politics in the Indian Ocean Region . Journal of Nautical Eye and Strategic Studies, 4(1), 187–216. https://doi.org/10.58932/MULG0036

Issue

Section

Articles