The Maritime Silk Road in China’s OBOR (One Belt One Road) Initiative: How should India Respond?

抄録

In the hoary days, Indian influence spread by the sea route to countries far and wide, including in Southeast Asia, East Asia, East Africa and many other parts of the world. The maritime domain has been key to the spread of Indian culture and influence and also to the upswing in the economic health of the country ever since the launch of India’s liberalisation programme in the early 1990’s. In addition, the sea lanes of communication in the Indian Ocean region have been key for the success of India’s ‘Act-East Policy’ which aims at re-invigorating New Delhi’s historical and cultural links with the countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania.

China’s tremendous economic and military growth has emboldened its leadership to undertake many new initiatives. One such initiative is the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) through which it has been trying to increase its presence in the wider Indo-Pacific region of which the Indian Ocean region is a key constituent. However, New Delhi has traditionally considered the Indian Ocean region as its “strategic backyard” and this has result in a dilemma for India.

This article will approach the issue of China’s Maritime Security Road (MSR) initiative and India’s response to the same from a realist perspective. First, it will assess why India needs to approach this offer from China (to be a part of the OBOR) with extreme caution and explain China’s Indian Ocean strategy. Second, it will elucidate India’s major interests in its immediate neighbourhood, especially in the maritime domain. Finally, it will set forth how India should respond to China’s increasing forays into the Indian Ocean region.