China’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean: Implications for India’s Maritime Strategy

Abstract

China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a significant geopolitical 
development, raising complex strategic concerns for India. Through initiatives such as the Maritime Silk Road 
(MSR), development of strategic ports (e.g., Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Djibouti in East 
Africa), and enhanced naval deployments, China has steadily increased its foothold in a region historically 
dominated by India.