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What's our role in India-China battle for maritime dominance? 

Published : Sunday, 8 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 525
HM Sabbir Hossain
Maritime routes have been vital for thousands of years. From the prehistoric era to today's modern age, the sea has played a crucial role in the development of civilizations and nations. In ancient times, maritime routes were primarily used for trade. However, with the advent of European colonization, these routes became strategic zones for warfare and dominance. This shift led Sir Alfred Mahan to famously state, "Whoever controls the sea controls the world." While the colonial era has ended, and maritime boundaries are now clearly defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the competition for control over the seas is far from over. In the modern world, maritime routes remain essential for global trade. Yet, they also serve as arenas for strategic maneuvers, where countries seek to confine or influence others to establish soft power and dominance.

The rivalry between India and China over maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean has become one of the defining features of contemporary geopolitics. Both nations, driven by economic ambitions and strategic imperatives, are seeking to assert their influence in this crucial maritime region. The competition is not just about controlling trade routes or expanding naval power; it is also about shaping the broader geopolitical order. At the heart of this rivalry lies Bangladesh, whose strategic location at the Bay of Bengal makes it a critical player in this contest for influence.
India and China's maritime strategies reflect their broader geopolitical ambitions. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed the Indian Ocean into a theater for expanding its global presence. Through its "String of Pearls" strategy, China has developed or invested in a series of ports and infrastructure projects in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa. These projects, including the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, and the Kyaukpyu Port in Myanmar, have created a network of maritime assets that serve dual purposes: securing trade routes and bolstering China's military presence in the region.
The strategic nature of this network cannot be overstated. For China, the Indian Ocean is vital because it serves as a conduit for energy imports and trade exports. Approximately 80% of China's oil imports pass through the Strait of Malacca, a critical chokepoint that Beijing views as vulnerable to disruption. By establishing control or influence over ports along key maritime routes, China seeks to mitigate this vulnerability. Additionally, these ports can act as logistical hubs for the Chinese Navy, extending its operational reach far beyond its shores.

India views this expansion as a direct challenge to its traditional dominance in the Indian Ocean. Historically, India has regarded the region as its sphere of influence, where it acts as a security guarantor and strategic balancer. China's growing presence in ports surrounding India raises concerns about encirclement, often referred to as the "String of Pearls" theory. Indian strategists worry that these Chinese-backed ports could be used for military purposes, threatening India's security and limiting its freedom of maneuver in its backyard.
In response, India has developed its own maritime strategy, often described as the "Necklace of Diamonds." This approach involves building strategic alliances, investing in regional infrastructure, and enhancing naval capabilities to counterbalance China's influence. One of the most significant elements of this strategy is India's investment in the Chabahar Port in Iran, which provides it with access to the Arabian Sea while bypassing Pakistan. This port is strategically positioned to counterbalance China's presence in Gwadar, located just 72 kilometers away. Similarly, India has cultivated naval agreements with countries like Oman, granting it access to the Duqm Port, which enhances its operational reach in the Arabian Sea.

Bangladesh occupies a unique position in this rivalry, serving as a key node in the geopolitical calculus of both India and China. Geographically, it sits at the intersection of South Asia and Southeast Asia, making it a gateway to the Bay of Bengal. Economically, Bangladesh's rapid growth and increasing integration into global trade make it a critical partner for both powers. Politically, its relationships with India and China are shaped by a complex mix of history, geography, and contemporary interests.

For China, Bangladesh is a vital component of its Belt and Road Initiative. By investing in infrastructure projects such as the Payra Port and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, China aims to secure access to the Bay of Bengal while strengthening its economic ties with Dhaka. These projects are not purely economic; they are also strategic, providing China with an alternative route to the Indian Ocean that bypasses the Strait of Malacca. The development of deep-sea ports in Bangladesh aligns with China's broader strategy of expanding its maritime network across the region.
India, on the other hand, views Bangladesh as a crucial partner in its efforts to counter China's influence. Shared cultural and historical ties, as well as geographical proximity, have traditionally made Bangladesh a natural ally for India. However, recent years have seen a shift in this dynamic. While India has focused on connectivity projects such as the India-Bangladesh coastal shipping agreement and the development of inland waterways, it has struggled to match the scale and scope of China's investments.

In navigating this complex environment, Bangladesh must prioritize its national interests while maintaining a balanced approach to its external relationships. This involves leveraging its strategic location to attract investments from multiple sources while ensuring that no single power dominates its economic or security landscape. It also requires a nuanced foreign policy that recognizes the interconnectedness of regional and global politics.

The rivalry between India and China in the Indian Ocean is more than a competition for maritime dominance; it is a struggle to shape the future of a region that is central to global trade and security. For Bangladesh, this presents both opportunities and challenges. By carefully managing its relationships with India, China, and other stakeholders, Bangladesh can position itself not just as a participant but as a key influencer in the evolving dynamics of the Indian Ocean region. The ability to navigate this rivalry will determine not only its economic and strategic trajectory but also its role in shaping the regional balance of power.

The writer is a student, Department of International Relations, University Of Chittagong



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