String of Pearls vs. Necklace of Diamonds: A Geopolitical Rivalry in the Indian Ocean

 The Indian Ocean, a vast expanse of maritime territory, holds immense importance for both India and China. As a critical trade route connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, it facilitates commerce, energy transport, and geopolitical influence. China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, characterized by a network of ports and facilities along its sea lines of communication, aims to enhance its presence and secure vital choke points. Meanwhile, India responds with its “Necklace of Diamonds” approach, forging strategic partnerships, bolstering naval capabilities, and safeguarding its interests. This geopolitical rivalry unfolds against the backdrop of shifting power dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.

 

63.1) Indian Ocean Importance for India and China:

●       Trade and Energy Routes: The Indian Ocean serves as a crucial trade route, facilitating the movement of goods, energy resources, and raw materials. It links major economies and influences global commerce.

●       Energy Security: A significant portion of the world’s oil and natural gas passes through the Indian Ocean. For energy-hungry nations like China and India, securing these sea lanes is essential.

●       Geopolitical Influence: Control over the Indian Ocean translates to geopolitical leverage. It allows nations to project power, establish naval dominance, and shape regional dynamics.

 

63.2) China’s String of Pearls Strategy:

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●       Concept Origins: Coined in the early 2000s, the String of Pearls refers to China’s network of military and commercial facilities along its sea lines of communication.

●       Facilities and Locations:

      Key locations include major maritime choke points like the Strait of Mandeb, the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Lombok Strait, as well as strategic centers in Somalia and littoral South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

○       Gwadar (Pakistan): China’s investment in the port of Gwadar provides a strategic foothold near the Strait of Hormuz. It offers access to the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.

○       Hambantota (Sri Lanka): China’s involvement in the Hambantota port raised concerns for India. It lies close to major shipping lanes.

○       Chittagong (Bangladesh): China’s interests in Chittagong enhance its presence in the Bay of Bengal.

○       Maldives and Seychelles: China engages in infrastructure projects and naval cooperation in these island nations.

●       Strategic Intentions:

○       Naval Expansion: China seeks to protect its sea lines of communication, secure energy routes, and expand its naval capabilities.

○       Encirclement Concerns: India views the String of Pearls as encircling its territory, potentially affecting its security and regional influence.

 

63.3) India’s Necklace of Diamonds Strategy:

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63.3.1) Strategic Response: India counters China’s moves with its Necklace of Diamonds approach.

63.3.2) Diplomatic Partnerships & Strategic Bases:

• India builds strong relationships with countries along the Indian Ocean rim, including Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Oman.
• Changi Naval Base, Singapore: India signed an agreement in 2018, providing direct access to this base for the Indian Navy. It allows refueling and rearming while sailing through the South China Sea.
• Sabang Port, Indonesia: India gained military access to Sabang Port, located at the entrance of the Malacca Strait—a crucial trade route.
• Duqm Port, Oman: India secured access to this port, facilitating crude imports from the Persian Gulf. It’s strategically positioned between China’s pearls—Djibouti (Africa) and Gwadar (Pakistan).
• Assumption Island, Seychelles: India and Seychelles developed a naval base here, countering China’s maritime silk route ambitions in Africa.
• Chabahar Port, Iran: India built this port, providing access to Afghanistan and a trade route to Central Asia.
• These partnerships enhance India’s maritime reach and provide access to key ports and airfields.

63.3.3) Naval Investigation:

• India invests in naval modernization, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and surveillance capabilities.
• It conducts joint exercises with friendly navies to maintain a presence across the ocean.

63.3.4) Security and Stability:

• India aims to ensure security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.
• It seeks to prevent any single power from dominating the region.

63.4) Geopolitical Rivalry Unfolds:

●       Power Dynamics: The String of Pearls and the Necklace of Diamonds represent competing visions for the Indian Ocean’s future.

●       Balancing Act: Both nations balance economic interests, security imperatives, and regional cooperation.

●       Evolving Landscape: As the global order shifts, the Indian Ocean remains a theater where India and China vie for influence.

 

 

In conclusion, the String of Pearls—a network of Chinese military and commercial facilities along sea lines of communication from the Chinese mainland to Port Sudan—presents a significant geopolitical challenge in the Indian Ocean region. In contrast, India’s Necklace of Diamonds strategy counters this influence by expanding its presence through strategic partnerships, akin to sparkling diamonds adorning a necklace. These concepts contribute to larger geopolitical dynamics, rivalry, and competition within the Indian Ocean.

— Team Yuva Aaveg

(Praveen Kumar Maurya)

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