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The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs flagged China’s increasing strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a major threat to India’s security and regional dominance.

Key Concepts and Terminologies

Term	Explanation
Indian Ocean Region (IOR)	The maritime area surrounding the Indian Ocean, including coastal nations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
String of Pearls	China’s strategy of building a network of commercial and military bases in IOR to project power and secure maritime routes.
Debt-trap diplomacy	A tactic where China provides high-interest loans for infrastructure and gains control when countries can’t repay.
Dual-use infrastructure	Facilities like ports and airports built for civilian use but capable of supporting military operations.
IFC-IOR	Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region, India’s initiative to enhance maritime domain awareness.
QUAD	A strategic grouping of India, USA, Japan, and Australia for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Deep Ocean Mission	India’s scientific initiative to explore deep-sea resources using vehicles like Matsya 6000.

How is China Expanding its Strategic Presence in the Indian Ocean Region?

Mode of Expansion	Details
Dual-Use Ports	Investments in ports like Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Gwadar (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh), and Kyaukpyu (Myanmar) forming a naval logistics network.
Military Presence	Djibouti base (2017), submarine patrols, and use of oceanographic research ships aiding naval operations.
Debt Diplomacy	Sri Lanka’s Hambantota lease and Maldives’ loans show how Beijing leverages unsustainable projects for strategic gains.
Naval Exercises	Joint drills with Pakistan, Myanmar, Iran, and Russia deepen security ties.
Diplomatic Outreach	Establishment of “China-IOR Forum” and political backing for pro-China regimes like President Muizzu of Maldives.

How China’s Presence Threatens India’s Interests in the IOR

Area of Threat	Impact on India
Military	Surveillance from Coco Islands, deployment of submarines, and possible blockade of key sea lanes like Malacca and Hormuz.
Economic	Risk to 80% of oil imports; loss of influence in SAARC, BIMSTEC due to economic dependencies on China.
Intelligence	Use of spy ships and undersea sensor networks threatens India’s nuclear submarine secrecy.
Geopolitical	China’s growing ties with neighbors could isolate India and increase reliance on external powers.
Regional Stability	Potential flashpoints involving QUAD members increase risk of wider conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

Significance of the Indian Ocean Region for India

Strategic Interest	Description
Security Role	India as a net security provider through INS Vikrant and exercises like MILAN, Malabar, etc.
Trade and Energy	80% of external trade and 90% of energy trade flow through IOR; key for economic growth.
Geopolitical Goals	Initiatives like “Act East”, “Neighbourhood First” and outreach to Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles to counter China.
Environment	INCOIS tracks climate threats; India leads CDRI and responds to disasters like Cyclone Idai.
Scientific Edge	Missions like Deep Ocean Mission and polymetallic nodule mining boost India’s ocean economy.

India’s Counter-Strategy to Strengthen its Presence in the IOR

Domain	Strategy
Military	Expand submarine fleet, develop 3rd aircraft carrier, enhance ASW, upgrade ANC with missiles and EW assets.
Economic	Push MAHASAGAR policy, promote IMEC as BRI alternative, invest in Chabahar (Iran), Duqm (Oman), Sabang (Indonesia).
Diplomatic	Strengthen QUAD, deepen defense ties with France, US, Japan; revitalize IORA and Colombo Security Conclave.
Technology	Enhance NAVIC, deploy AI-backed tracking, increase satellite surveillance, counter cyber-espionage.
Soft Power	Promote Buddhism, revive ancient sea routes, lead HADR missions, offer education and cultural exchange.

In a Nutshell (Memory Code: M-POWER)

M – Military upgrades
P – Port investments as BRI counter
O – Ocean surveillance and domain awareness
W – Win over neighbors through soft power
E – Economic corridor IMEC
R – Regional alliances like QUAD and IORA

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. Which of the following ports is NOT part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy?
   a) Gwadar
   b) Chabahar
   c) Hambantota
   d) Djibouti
2. The term “Debt-trap diplomacy” is best associated with:
   a) Free trade agreements
   b) Military alliances
   c) Infrastructure lending practices
   d) Cyber surveillance
3. Consider the following statements:
   1. IFC-IOR is located in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
   2. The String of Pearls theory was proposed by China officially.
      Which of the statements is/are correct?
      a) Only 1
      b) Only 2
      c) Both 1 and 2
      d) Neither 1 nor 2

Mains Practice Questions

1. Analyze the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region for India. What steps should India take to ensure security and dominance in the region? (GS Paper 2 – 2023)
2. Discuss how China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region challenges India’s strategic interests and regional diplomacy. Suggest counter measures. (GS Paper 2)

Prelims Answer Key and Explanation

Qn	Answer	Explanation
1	b) Chabahar	Chabahar is developed by India in Iran and not part of China’s strategic chain.
2	c) Infrastructure lending practices	China uses loans for infrastructure projects that often result in the borrowing country’s economic dependence.
3	d) Neither 1 nor 2	IFC-IOR is in Gurugram, Haryana; and String of Pearls is a US strategic analysis, not officially declared by China.