India-China Competition in the Indian Ocean Region

China’s rise as a significant economic superpower over the last several decades has been accompanied by an increase in its global footprint. In the marine domain, China is actively contesting with both regional and global powers for access, creating the network called as Chinese ‘string of pearls.’ In spite of China’s repeated claims that its actions are peaceful and aimed at safeguarding SLOC, commerce, trade, and energy security for the country, not many in the regional and global community seem convinced. China’s desire for better access and presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) over the past two decades has sparked a lot of concern and discomfort in both India and the US. The purpose of this article is to examine China’s operations and strategic goals in the I0R. This study intends to provide an outline of the strategic interests of both India as well as China in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).