Amid escalating tensions between China and the US in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Island states and Southeast Asian nations are looking to India to play a significant role in maintaining regional balance. Recent events, from sending naval vessels on extensive voyages to territorial disputes, indicate India's increasing involvement in the region.
Significant Diplomatic Moves
India's recent actions have caught the attention of the diplomatic community. The nation dispatched two warships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, on a voyage of over 5,500 nautical miles to Papua New Guinea, a move that was met with strong support from the host country's Prime Minister and cabinet members. This was a marked shift from the norm, where similar receptions aboard foreign warships were attended by lower-ranking officials.
In May, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, strengthening ties between the two nations. This visit paved the way for further collaboration between their armed forces.
Strengthening Maritime Partnerships
India has also extended its hand to other nations in the Indo-Pacific region. A fully operational missile corvette, INS Kirpan, was gifted to Vietnam, a nation facing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The move signals India's commitment to regional stability and its determination to counter Chinese assertiveness.
Shift in Position on Disputes
India's stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea has evolved. While the country had previously only acknowledged the Permanent Court of Arbitration's 2016 ruling in favor of the Philippines, it now stands in support of the "2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea." This change in position demonstrates India's willingness to uphold international law and its desire for peaceful conflict resolution.
Balancing Act and Strategic Moves
Pacific Island states and Southeast Asian countries view India as a balancing factor amid increasing rivalry between China and the US. India's gestures help countries like Papua New Guinea, which wish to avoid getting caught in the power struggle between the two giants. India's engagement serves as reassurance that they have a friend to rely on.
Looking Ahead: The Quad and Regional Dynamics
India's engagement in the Indo-Pacific goes beyond symbolism. The upcoming Malabar exercise, involving the navies of Quad member states (India, US, Japan, and Australia), underscores the growing cooperation in the region. India's efforts to strengthen its ties with nations like Vietnam, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea align with the Quad's initiatives in maritime security and technology.
Former navy chief Admiral (retired) Arun Prakash emphasized the importance of India's gestures, considering its economic interests and the strategic importance of maintaining alliances. While India may lack extensive naval assets for prolonged deployments, its actions serve to foster relationships and counter China's growing influence.
In Conclusion
India's recent moves in the Indo-Pacific reflect its commitment to regional stability, asserting itself as a key player in the face of rising tensions between China and the US. As India strengthens its maritime partnerships and aligns with Quad initiatives, the nation's presence in the region becomes a crucial factor in shaping the future dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.
