India’s Maritime Strategy to Balance China’s Growing Influence
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Hashim Sheikh - . May 8, 2024
- . Update: May 8, 2024 7:13 pm
For many years, China has been building roads, ports, and other projects in countries from the Middle East to Asia. This is called the “string of pearls” strategy. The goal is for China to gain more control and influence over the sea areas nearby. This strategy is now known as the Maritime Silk Road initiative. Many countries are concerned because China is increasing the number of navy ships in the Indian Ocean Region.
India’s Response
To balance China’s growing maritime power and protect its own interests in the region, India has taken important actions.
India is investing in ports in other countries, especially in Sri Lanka. After Sri Lanka faced money problems due to Chinese investments, India provided full funding to renovate the Kankesanturai Port. In a strategic move, India and a Russian company secured the rights to manage the Mattala Rajapaksa Airport in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. This gives India control over the Hambantota port, making it difficult for China’s navy to build a large facility there.
Investing in Foreign Ports
India has been investing in ports in other countries, especially in Sri Lanka. After Sri Lanka faced money problems due to Chinese investments, it decided to renovate the Kankesanturai Port with full funding from India. In a strategic move, India, along with a Russian company, got the right to manage the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. This gives India control over the Hambantota port and makes it difficult for the Chinese Navy to build a large facility there.
The Indian organization Adani Group signed an agreement to broaden the Colombo West International Container Terminal (CWICT) in Sri Lanka, investing over $700 million. Adani Group additionally plans to spend money on a port inside the Bataan province of the Philippines, aiming to broaden a deep port which could accommodate huge ships.
