Sino-Indian Counter-Balancing Strategies in the Indian Ocean
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Date
2020
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Publisher
UMT.Lahore
Abstract
This research thesis explains the growing Sino-Indian strategic rivalry in the
Indian Ocean. Both states are indulged in balancing strategies to counter each other in the region.
India wants to achieve the status of a regional hegemon. On the other hand, China is focusing on
enhancing its economic and military capabilities to become a world power. These competing
powers are trying to consolidate their strategic hold in the region by establishing naval bases,
ports and other infrastructural projects in the Indian Ocean littoral states. In this study, the Sino Indian balancing behavior has been explained using the lens of the theory of balance of threat.
According to this theory, States balance against threat instead of power. Chinese growing
presence and military buildup in form of BRI and other connectivity projects has raised Indian
insecurities. India is focusing on increasing its military capabilities and establishing close
relations with other states of the region in an attempt of countering Chinese rise in its backyard.
In response to Chinese BRI, India has opted Act East policy to enhance cooperation with its
neighbors in order to lessen Chinese threat factor. India has joined hands with US to counter
Chinese growing influence. Likewise, China has aligned with Pakistan to counter India’s rise in
the region. Sino-Indian strategic competition will intensify more in the coming years. This
growing strategic balancing will bring certain challenges and of course opportunities for Pakistan
in future. Therefore Pakistan needs to be vibrant enough to utilize its strategic location to
maximize its benefits.