Pakistan and Indian Ocean Region Geopolitics: Strategies and Counter Strategies

Abstract

Pakistan's strategies and counter strategies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are influenced by various factors such as geographical context, economic linkages, and changing threat perceptions. The IOR is considered crucial due to its oil and gas reserves, choke points, and nautical traffic, attracting the interests of major powers like the USA, China, and India. China's presence in the IOR has increased through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan and China have developed mutually beneficial cooperation in the IOR. As far as India’s increased maritime influence is concerned it poses challenges and requires Pakistan to upgrade its naval potential, establish strategic cooperation with China, and focus on Blue Economy to counter the maritime strategy of India which imposes a severe threat to Pakistan’s presence in the IOR. This research paper examines India’s maritime partnerships in the IOR, and countermeasures taken by Pakistan to restrict the Indian influence in the IOR.