Q19. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

Model Answer:

Introduction

"The String of Pearls" is a strategic concept often used to describe China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region through the construction of military and commercial ports, along with other infrastructure projects in several countries. This metaphor refers to a string of "pearls" — naval bases, ports, and energy hubs — stretching from the Chinese mainland to the Arabian Sea, including locations like Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), and several islands in the Indian Ocean. It reflects China’s ambitions to secure its maritime routes and exert influence over crucial regional chokepoints, which directly impacts India’s security and regional interests.

Body

Impact on India:

• Strategic Encirclement: The "String of Pearls" concept suggests that China is trying to encircle India strategically, particularly by gaining access to ports and military bases in India's maritime neighborhood. This could limit India's maritime influence and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.
• Military Presence: China’s growing military presence in the Indian Ocean could be used to project power and monitor India’s naval activities. This challenges India’s regional dominance and undermines its security interests.
• Economic and Energy Access: China’s investments in ports like Gwadar and Hambantota provide Beijing with easier access to critical trade routes, energy supplies, and resources in the Indian Ocean, which could limit India's access to these key routes.

Steps Taken by India:

• Strengthening Naval Power: India has significantly strengthened its naval presence and capabilities in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy's expanding influence is a countermeasure to China’s growing presence.
• Strategic Partnerships: India has strengthened its diplomatic ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, such as the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, to ensure security and counterbalance China’s influence.
• Act East Policy: India’s “Act East” policy focuses on deepening ties with Southeast Asian nations, enhancing maritime cooperation, and ensuring security in the region.
• International Alliances: India has deepened cooperation with global powers, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, through forums like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) to counter China’s influence.

Conclusion

‍The “String of Pearls” strategy poses significant geopolitical and security challenges for India. While China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean increases competition, India has responded with a robust strategy involving military strengthening, regional cooperation, and international partnerships to safeguard its strategic interests.

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