An Indian sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean?

Abstract

India has an expansive maritime strategy. Driven by great power aspirations and by strategic rivalry with China, India is expanding its naval capabilities and security relationships throughout the Indian Ocean region. India has paid significant attention to developing relationships at the key points of entry into the Indian Ocean—the Malacca Strait, the Persian Gulf and southern Africa. The purpose of this article is to examine India’s maritime ambitions and relationships in the Indian Ocean and ask whether this may presage an extended Indian sphere of influence in the region. Show more