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Title CHINA’S MARITIME SILK ROAD INITIATIVE: CHALLENGES FOR INDIAN HEGEMONIC AMBITIONS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION

Author(s) Zeeshan Shoukat

Abstract Indian Ocean has been least studied in the geopolitical and geo-economics history of the world. But the sea lanes of Indian Ocean have been playing a significant role for trade and commercial activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. Several trading networks in Indian Ocean, with the passage of time, resulted into integrated and organized networks in the region. From ancient Maritime Silk Road to the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, Indian Ocean Region has been a region of central importance. In the twenty first century, Indian Ocean has undeniable importance in the geopolitics of the world, even it is said that the future of the global politics would be decided in the waters of Indian Ocean. In present times, Indian Ocean holds the most important sea lanes and chokepoints of the world. More than half of the world’s trade passes through the IOR. Regional as well as extra regional powers have their stakes in the region; therefore, they are actively involved in the region. The US has been a dominant extra regional force in the region for over several decades. China unleashed its plans in 2013 and announced Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI). Initially, China, under its MSRI, is involved in construction of various ports in the Indian Ocean Region and other infrastructure development projects in the participant countries of this initiative. Billions of dollars have been invested in these projects across the region with the declared aim to enhance economic connectivity and integration of the region. Parallel to this development, China has also increased its naval presence in the region. Chinese MSRI has significantly increased Chinese presence and influence over the littoral states of the IOR. On the other hand, India has been aspiring to become a dominant actor in the region and Indian influential strategists argue that dominance over Indian Ocean holds key importance in ‘manifest destiny’ of India. Chinese MSRI is challenging the Indian Hegemonic Ambitions in the IOR. The rise of China in the IOR has resulted in hegemonic rivalry between India and China in the region. To counter China, India is adopting various strategies, leading initiatives, and offering alternates to host countries of MSRI in the IOR. The rivalry between these two Asian giants, India, and China, has detrimental impact on the littoral states of the region, security, dynamics, politics, and status quo in the IOR.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Social Sciences

Department International Relations

Language English

Publication Date 2021-08-23

Subject International Relations

Publisher NA

Contributor(s) NA

Format Chicago 16th Edition

Identifier NA

Source NA

Relation NA

Coverage NA

Rights NA

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Description