Examine the Naval Supremacy in the Indian Ocean and its Impact on the Security of Small States: special reference to China and India.

Abstract

The expanding economic and political powers of China and India have led each country to extend its naval operations into the other’s region of influence in order to safeguard and national interests. The continued operational expansion of China and India’s naval forces into each other’s claimed maritime domain is likely to trigger alliance formation and a naval arms buildup between the two countries which could lead to conflict in the near future. This study is supported by the evidence of active naval modernization programs initiated by China and India as well as the pursuit of security relations with countries in each other’s respective regions. Conflicting strategic cultures, a history of combative relations, and differences in long term strategic objectives warn of the possibility of a coming confrontation. This may not only be the maritime security climate, but the security of mainland Asia itself and has implication for future US security policy in the region. Research problem was how the competition between China and India for naval supremacy impact on the security of small states in the region. India and China try to subjugate small countries in the Indian Ocean using their naval power. Their power buildup has created an insecure environment in the region. The main objective of this research is to analyze the naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean and its impact on the security of small states. The specific objectives of this research are to examine the naval power buildup between China and India, and to discuss external powers involvement in the Indian Ocean. The research methodology is fundamentally based on secondary data. According to the research findings it could be identified that the expansion of power causes this problem. The study suggests reducing naval supremacy in the Indian Ocean and its impact on the security of small states should balance the power between India and China.