Against the backdrop of global instability, India is recalibrating its strategic posture. Anchored in a blend of realism, regional engagement, and democratic values, India’s maritime vision is emerging as the mainstay of its foreign policy
In recent years, international politics has seen the rise of several popular yet complex terminologies — bandwagoning, strategic autonomy, plurilateralism, and epistemic communities. These concepts have grown in prominence alongside earlier ideological debates such as the “End of History” and the “Clash of Civilisations” that dominated post-Cold War discourse.
As the global order continues to undergo sweeping changes, many once-stable doctrines now stand challenged, highlighting an enduring truth of international relations: change remains the only constant. Amid this flux, a notable evolution has emerged — the strengthening of strategic and democratic bonds between the United States and India, the world’s oldest and largest democracies. While several global regions continue to simmer under conflict — West Asia and the Ukraine-Russia war being prime examples — India and the US have taken steps towards enhancing mutual cooperation in defence, trade, and global governance.
In this environment, nations are urgently seeking robust strategic mechanisms to preserve sovereignty and national interest. The resurgence of offensive realism as a philosophical framework underscores this strategic recalibration. As great powers jostle for influence, the 19th-century maritime doctrine of Alfred Thayer Mahan — that control of the seas equates to global dominance — has resurfaced with striking relevance. Maritime security, therefore, has become the linchpin of modern geopolitics. Oceans are no longer viewed simply as trade routes but as strategic zones essential to regional stability, economic resilience, and defence readiness. Recognising this, India has been working to secure its maritime frontiers, particularly within the framework of its Neighbourhood First Policy and its vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
These principles aim not only to foster regional collaboration but also to establish India as a stabilising maritime power in the Indian Ocean. One of the strongest manifestations of India’s maritime strategy has been its deepening cooperation with countries like Mauritius. Recent Indo-Mauritius coordination exemplifies India’s intent to build an integrated network of partnerships, especially in response to assertive moves by other regional powers. This includes countering China’s growing influence through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), military bases such as the one in Djibouti, and the strategic encirclement of India via the “String of Pearls” doctrine. In response, India has forged closer security partnerships with countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Bangladesh, and Mauritius. A coastal radar surveillance network has been established, alongside the Indian Ocean Region Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR), which shares real-time intelligence to enhance situational awareness. These steps ensure that India remains agile in detecting and responding to maritime threats. India’s defence preparedness has also been fortified with procurements like the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and advanced components for its Air Force’s MIG-29 jets. Parallelly, the Necklace of Diamonds strategy — India’s response to China’s “String of Pearls” — is bearing fruit through naval partnerships and infrastructural projects in Oman, Myanmar, Chabahar Port in Iran, and the Changi Naval Base in Singapore.
Underpinning these efforts is India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to reinforce economic, cultural, and strategic ties with East and Southeast Asian nations. Through an expanded network of ports, high-quality medical assistance, humanitarian relief, and joint patrolling initiatives, India is also working to build a resilient and secure Indo-Pacific architecture. Crucially, this strategic reorientation demands not just naval might but also consensus and diplomatic cohesion. India has led calls for a unified maritime policy across the IOR. The emphasis now lies in gathering all regional actors at a common table to forge cooperative responses to transnational challenges — ranging from piracy and drug trafficking to terrorism, cybercrime, and climate-induced threats. India’s leadership in climate action and sustainable development has further bolstered its diplomatic credentials. The country has advocated for renewable energy cooperation and equitable access to technological resources among developing nations. These initiatives not only support the environmental resilience of small island nations but also reinforce India’s role as a responsible global actor.
India’s trade volumes with its neighbouring nations have surged significantly in the last half-decade, reflecting the success of its regional engagement strategy. The bolstered economic ties are increasingly complemented by military-to-military cooperation and strategic dialogues, ensuring a multi-layered relationship that transcends transactional interests. In 2023, the Quad (comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia) took a decisive step forward through the panel titled “The Quad Squad: Power and Purpose of the Polygon.” Member nations reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The Quad’s focus on maritime security, resilient infrastructure, and capacity-building for smaller nations aligns perfectly with India’s SAGAR doctrine.
This initiative also strengthens the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), where India’s growing leadership continues to receive global acknowledgement. Looking ahead, there’s a growing consensus on the need for a multi-tiered strategic mechanism to safeguard maritime trade routes, tackle piracy, and counter emerging threats such as smuggling, cyberattacks, and transnational terrorism. Creating resilient alliances that can jointly withstand the impact of such challenges will remain central to India’s foreign policy calculus. This collaborative spirit is not merely a reflection of geopolitical necessity — it is also rooted in India’s cultural philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family. The idea is not just to defend borders but to co-develop strategies that promote shared prosperity, regional equity, and timely support during crises. In conclusion, India’s maritime and strategic vision is undergoing a significant transformation — blending realism with regional empathy and diplomatic foresight. From countering China’s BRI to building strategic depth through its Necklace of Diamonds, India is carving out a stable and inclusive maritime architecture.
By integrating security, economic, and environmental priorities, India offers a roadmap that blends traditional wisdom with modern statecraft.The coming years will be crucial. The success of India’s strategy lies in its ability to ensure that new geopolitical frameworks are inclusive, robust, and adaptable to the fast-evolving international order. This approach will not only preserve regional peace and prosperity but will also project India as a pivotal force in shaping the contours of 21st-century global diplomacy.
(The author, a recipient of the Bharat Gaurav Award, is a Professor and expert in Strategic Affairs. Views are personal)
