A massive population, a quickly growing economy, and growing geopolitical ambitions make India China’s logical competitor. However, India’s role in the Indo-Pacific is often sidelined in favor of China’s activism in the South China Sea. As such, 95% of India’s trade is by sea,[22] and 55% of that trade passes through the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca. In 2001, all of India’s military operations in Andaman and Southeast Asia were united under the banner of the Joint Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). India’s strategy toward the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific reflects a keen awareness of its own strengths and its opponents’ weaknesses.

Source: Economic Times October 06, 2024 06:12 UTC