There will be two sections to the exercises. The first consists of exchanges between shore bases, and the second one involves combined maritime operations. These are one of the biggest exercises between the two fleets and are intended to increase their interoperability. The exercise will focus on dealing with contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region and to enhance bilateral cooperation, Rear Admiral Liang Yang stated.
These exercises take place right after the annual 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the United States and India and the naval drills between Russia and Myanmar in the Andaman Sea. China’s seriousness about expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is further demonstrated by these exercises.
Source: Deccan Herald
Although the area is thought to be under India’s sphere of influence, this equilibrium could be upset by China’s increasing influence in the Arabian Sea and its regular mooring of research ships and submarines in Hambantota port. The manoeuvres are an obvious attempt by Beijing to highlight its growing blue water and navy capabilities and stake its claim to the IOR. The exercises are also a significant demonstration of China and Pakistan’s all-weather friendship.
On a number of regional and global issues, Beijing and Islamabad have collaborated, particularly when it comes to reducing or limiting the power of New Delhi. China has continuously supported Pakistan in all international organisations, particularly when it comes to vetoing Pakistani terrorist groups in opposition to India’s concerns.
Bilateral and regional geopolitics tend to have undercurrents that go well beyond simple all weather friends. Pakistan has received significant loans from China. According to news reports, Pakistan’s debt is reportedly $67.2 billion, which is around $~21 billion greater than what the World Bank estimates. Furthermore, China has contributed to the majority of Pakistan’s conventional and nuclear armaments.
In light of the continuous military standoff between China and India after the 2020 Galwan conflicts, a fresh examination of these exercises is also necessary. Both parties have failed to make significant progress in reducing tensions, therefore the relationship has not yet returned to normal. This complicates the regional dynamics for New Delhi even more, especially in light of the continuing positive momentum in the relations between China and Bhutan.
Source: CNN- News 18
The complex dynamics of the region present many challenges for Indian diplomacy. Due to their membership in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the majority of India’s neighbours have strong economic ties to China. China has responded by expanding its geopolitical ambitions and further limiting India’s space by using this economic pressure.
This may also be seen as a response to the improving relations between the US and India. While Beijing and Washington have found it difficult to keep their relationship going in recent years, New Delhi has become more important in Washington’s diplomacy with Asia. The Indo-Pacific and Quad talks have strengthened the already strong connection.
The region of South Asia is fast turning into a theatre of influence wars. China constantly challenges India, which sees this as its natural sphere of influence, to demonstrate its legitimacy and acceptability. China is trying to undermine India’s historical and diplomatic links in this region by using the partnerships it has cultivated over decades, particularly with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives. This also occurs at a time when India is attempting to establish a name for itself internationally. India’s main issue is that, as its relations with the US improve and it aspires to play a significant role in the world, New Delhi needs to be constantly concerned about its immediate neighbourhood and fear that its influence would be limited in the area as a result of Beijing’s challenges.
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