NEW DELHI — India is fundamentally overhauling its maritime security doctrine to assert control over critical sea lanes from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca, according to a strategic assessment released this week by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a leading New Delhi-based think tank. The shift reflects growing alarm over China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean and the vulnerability of India’s energy and trade flows to geopolitical disruptions.
What Happened
The ORF policy brief, authored by a team of maritime security experts, argues that India’s traditional focus on coastal defence and anti-piracy operations is no longer adequate in an era of great-power competition. The report advocates for a “forward-leaning posture” that includes enhanced surveillance, strategic partnerships with littoral states, and the deployment of naval assets in key maritime zones.
A central recommendation is the expansion of India’s naval presence in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with a specific focus on monitoring Chinese submarine activity. The brief also calls for deeper collaboration with the United States, Japan, and Australia under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), as well as strengthened ties with smaller Indian Ocean nations such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius.
The report highlights the need for India to develop “dual-use infrastructure” in partner countries—port facilities that can support both commercial and military operations. This aligns with India’s existing investments in projects like the Chabahar Port in Iran and the Sittwe Port in Myanmar, which are widely seen as counterweights to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region.
While the ORF report does not represent official government policy, it reflects a growing consensus among Indian strategic circles about the need for a more assertive maritime posture. The Indian Navy has already begun expanding its operational reach, with recent exercises in the South China Sea and increased patrols in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Why It Matters
Nearly 80% of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while the Malacca Strait serves as a vital chokepoint for trade with Southeast Asia and East Asia. Any disruption in these sea lanes—whether due to conflict, piracy, or coercive state action—could have severe economic consequences for India.
The ORF report underscores the strategic imperative for India to secure these routes amid China’s growing naval ambitions. Beijing has steadily expanded its influence in the Indian Ocean through port projects in Pakistan (Gwadar), Sri Lanka (Hambantota), and Djibouti, raising concerns in New Delhi about potential encirclement. The report suggests that India is no longer content to rely on reactive measures and is instead seeking to shape the regional security architecture proactively.
Background and Context
India’s maritime strategy has evolved significantly over the past decade. Historically, the Indian Navy focused on coastal defence and anti-piracy operations, particularly in the Gulf of Aden. However, the rise of China as a naval power has forced a rethink. Beijing’s deployment of submarines in the Indian Ocean, its establishment of a military base in Djibouti, and its investments in port infrastructure across the region have prompted New Delhi to adopt a more assertive posture.
The ORF report builds on India’s existing maritime initiatives, including the 2015 “Act East” policy, which sought to deepen economic and security ties with Southeast Asia. It also aligns with the Quad’s broader objective of maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” a concept that has gained traction amid rising tensions between China and the U.S.
India’s naval modernization efforts have included the induction of new warships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft. However, budget constraints and delays in indigenous shipbuilding programs have slowed progress. The ORF report acknowledges these challenges but argues that India must accelerate its efforts to maintain a credible deterrent.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
While the ORF report presents a clear vision for India’s maritime future, several uncertainties remain. One key question is whether India can sustain the financial and logistical commitments required for a forward-leaning posture. The Indian Navy’s budget has grown in recent years, but it remains a fraction of China’s defence spending. Additionally, India’s ability to project power beyond its immediate neighbourhood depends on deeper integration with Quad partners, particularly the U.S.
Another area of uncertainty is the potential for escalation with China. While the ORF report avoids framing India’s strategy as containment, the emphasis on surveillance and strategic partnerships signals a clear intent to counter Beijing’s naval ambitions. This could provoke a response from China, which has already accused the Quad of being an “Asian NATO” aimed at containing its rise.
The report also raises questions about India’s ability to balance its strategic interests with its traditional non-aligned foreign policy. While New Delhi has strengthened ties with the U.S. and its allies, it has also sought to maintain a degree of autonomy, particularly in its relations with Russia and Iran. The ORF report does not address how India might reconcile these competing priorities.
What to Watch Next
Several developments will shape the trajectory of India’s maritime strategy in the coming months:
1. Quad Cooperation: The next Quad summit, expected later this year, will provide an opportunity to assess the progress of maritime security cooperation among the four nations. Key areas to watch include joint naval exercises, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and infrastructure projects in the Indian Ocean.
2. Naval Modernization: India’s ability to expand its naval presence will depend on the timely induction of new assets, including the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Vikrant and the Project-75 submarine program. Delays in these projects could undermine India’s ability to project power.
3. Port Infrastructure: India’s investments in dual-use ports, such as Chabahar and Sittwe, will be closely watched. The success of these projects could determine whether India can counter China’s BRI in the Indian Ocean.
4. China’s Response: Beijing’s reaction to India’s maritime assertiveness will be critical. Any increase in Chinese submarine activity or port investments in the region could signal a more competitive dynamic.
5. Regional Partnerships: India’s ability to deepen ties with smaller Indian Ocean nations, such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, will be a key test of its maritime strategy. These countries have historically balanced their relations with India and China, and their alignment could shift based on economic and security incentives.
Conclusion
India’s recalibration of its maritime strategy marks a significant shift in its approach to regional security. The ORF report reflects a growing recognition that India must adopt a more proactive posture to safeguard its economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean. However, the success of this strategy will depend on India’s ability to overcome budgetary constraints, deepen partnerships with like-minded nations, and navigate the delicate balance with China.
As the competition for influence in the Indian Ocean intensifies, India’s maritime strategy will be a critical factor in shaping the regional security architecture. The coming months will reveal whether New Delhi can translate its strategic vision into tangible outcomes—or whether it will be constrained by the realities of great-power rivalry.
Story synopsis gathered from: Observer Research Foundation — orfonline.org.
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India — source.
