India and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean
INTRODUCTION Geopolitics looks at geography and history as inputs into the relations among nations. A corollary is that countries have “natural” opponents and allies. But how this works out depends on the domestic and foreign policies of the leaders and governments of the countries. The theme of this essay is the current and possible future the role of India in the evolving global balance of power. One topic is India’s strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean and stronger ties with other Asian countries. Another is the points of rivalry between India and China. They intersect. INDIA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN: FUTURE STRATEGIC RIVALRY WITH CHINA? India might become a major regional and possibly global power. India’s strategic interests center on the Indian Ocean. The distance from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Strait is approximately 3,500 miles across the Indian Ocean. The main shipping route crosses the Arabian Sea and around the west...