The Indian Ocean Battle No One’s Talking About!
![The USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, transits the Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. and ally security in the Indo-Pacific [Image via U.S. Navy by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Colby A. Mothershead, July 2023].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000w_q95.webp)
The Indian Ocean is more than just water—it’s the strategic heartbeat of global trade and power struggles between world powers.
The Cowed Indian Aspirations
India has long prioritized its naval development and maritime strategy to materialize its ambitions of becoming the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. But with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India\’s Maritime Strategy has become a real challenge for itself. The real test is to strike a balance between its alignment with Russia and a rather newly-found geostrategic convergence with the West and the US.
The Maldives’ India Out Conundrum
Maldives’ ‘India Out’ campaign is picking foot on the basis of some developments the general public perceives as a sovereignty breach. What are these developments? How does the Island country seek to strike a balance between its needs as a small economy and the public demand to ensure territorial integrity?
The QUAD
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” ~Albert Einstein
India’s Dilemma in the Indo-Pacific Theater
India with its leverage lost in Afghanistan is reportedly considering reopening its embassy in Kabul. This comes at a time when India is seeking its role in Afghanistan; either through ‘Asia-Pacific’ group – 18th Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers’ meeting, or through United States-led initiatives, such as Quad.
Is the United States Pivoting to Eurasia?
![Sherman from United States met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi in Islamabad [Image by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AP21281255820748.webp)
US Deputy Secretary of State visit to South Asia, particularly regarding Afghanistan, marks a shift towards civilian diplomatic engagement.
SCO 2021 At A Glance
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established, in June 2001; as a multilateral association to ensure security and maintain stability across the vast Eurasian region. It was to join forces to counteract emerging challenges and threats.