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INDIA’S MARITIME AMBITIONS UNDER MODI REGIME: IMPACT ON PAKISTAN, S SECURITY

Author: Muhammad Mahmood Sultan

MS Scholar, Department of International Relations

Muslim Youth University, Islamabad

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how India’s maritime ambitions under the Modi administration affect Pakistan’s security. The implications of India’s strategic maritime policies for Pakistan’s national security will be the subject of this article. Moreover, it will analyze the local elements in the Indian Sea and the potential for the struggle between the two atomic-equipped opponents. In the article’s conclusion, policy recommendations to reduce the potential threats posed by India’s maritime ambitions will be made.

The implications of India’s maritime ambitions on Pakistan’s security, the difficulties Pakistan faces in maintaining a balance of power in the region, and some policy recommendations for Pakistan to mitigate the potential threats arising from India’s growing naval capabilities are all summarized in the abstract.

KEYWORDS:  India, Modi regime, maritime ambitions, Pakistan, security, naval capabilities, power balance, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, sea denial, submarines, regional cooperation, diplomatic efforts, Kashmir dispute.

Introduction

Under the Modi administration, India’s strategic and economic interests have increasingly shifted toward the maritime sector. The nation has embarked on an ambitious program to modernize its navy, which includes the creation of submarines, aircraft carriers, and other advanced naval assets. To project India’s influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the Modi government has also launched several initiatives, such as the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy.

The developing Indian maritime capacities have brought worries up in Pakistan about the potential security ramifications of India’s oceanic aspirations. Pakistan’s security foundation has generally seen the Indian Naval force as a possible danger and has looked to keep an overall influence in the district. To comprehend the dynamics of the regional power balance, it is therefore essential to investigate India’s maritime ambitions and their impact on Pakistan’s security.

Methodology.

This examination article depends on a subjective exploration philosophy, which incorporates a broad writing survey of important scholarly sources, government reports, and media articles. The study examines the Indian and Pakistani naval capabilities, their strategic policies, and the Indian Ocean’s regional security dynamics.

To get a better understanding of their perspectives on the issue, the research also includes interviews with naval experts and policymakers from India and Pakistan. The meetings were led over email, and the reactions were broken down to recognize key subjects and examples.

 Background of India’s maritime ambitions.

Since the country was well-known for its naval might and marine trade in antiquity, India has had maritime ambitions. India’s maritime aspirations in the modern age have been impacted by a variety of reasons, including its strategic position, expanding economic and security interests in the Indian Ocean, and the necessity to protect its island’s expansive coastline possessions.

At last, India’s sea aspirations are likewise determined by a longing to take advantage of the huge financial capability of the sea. India is interested in developing a variety of ocean-based industries like fishing, aquaculture, shipping, and offshore energy because it has over 7,500 kilometers of coastline and several island territories.

As a whole, India’s maritime ambitions are part of a larger strategic plan to increase the country’s influence on the world stage and advance its economic and security interests in the region. However, particularly in the context of relations between India and Pakistan, these goals have significant repercussions for regional security and stability.

Modi’s maritime policy.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has adopted an ambitious maritime strategy to make the country a major maritime power. A few essential impulses and requirements may be used to explain the oceanic strategy of the Modi government.

Generally speaking, the Modi administration’s sea strategy is intended to make India a major sea power and advance the country’s financial and security intrigues in the Indian Sea region. In any event, these forces have important implications for territorial stability and security, particularly regarding ties between India and Pakistan.

India’s partnerships.

India has been actively seeking to develop strategic partnerships and deepen its engagement with other countries in the Indian Ocean region to enhance its maritime capabilities and promote regional stability. Some of India’s key partnerships in the region include:

In addition to these partnerships, India has also been working to deepen its engagement with other countries in the Indian Ocean region through initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

India’s partnerships in the region have helped it to enhance its maritime capabilities, promote regional stability, and counter growing Chinese influence in the region. However, these partnerships have also faced challenges, particularly in the context of the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.

 Impact on Pakistan’s Security

Pakistan has expressed worry over the security repercussions of India’s expanding marine capabilities. According to the Security Foundation, India’s modernization program for its naval forces might endanger the safety of Pakistan’s citizens. Before India’s expanding marine capabilities, Pakistan depended on its military and aviation-based armed forces to maintain the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s marine prowess is modest compared to India. In addition to recently purchasing eight submarines from China, Pakistan only operates the PNS Babur, a warship capable of transporting aircraft. Despite Pakistan’s naval force also having frigates, corvettes, and rocket boats, it has inferior capabilities to those of India Pakistan has been concerned about the possibility of an Indian maritime bar of its ports because of the naval force’s capacity for creation, which might have a substantial impact on the economy of the country. Pakistan’s oceanic security and its position over the Middle Eastern Ocean and the Bay of Oman may be threatened by India’s maritime domination. Pakistan’s economy and security might be severely impacted by any disruption to maritime communication because the country mostly relies on its water routes for communication. Pakistan’s marine infrastructure would be put to the test by India’s expanding maritime capabilities. The foundation of Pakistan’s maritime policy is the concept of ocean forswearing, which includes the use of submarines and other nautical tools to prevent India from entering its ports and disrupting its maritime trade. However, Pakistan’s ability to successfully execute its ocean refusal procedure has been made more difficult by the growing Indian maritime capabilities.

Additionally, Pakistan is concerned that India’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean could encircle Pakistan and reduce Pakistan’s strategic options. India has built up military installations in the area, especially in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, giving it critical access to the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca. Pakistan’s strategic choices may be constrained by India’s expanding regional dominance, which may also make Pakistan more susceptible to Indian oppression.

Pakistan’s concerns

Pakistan has expressed concerns about India’s maritime ambitions and the potential implications for regional stability and security. These concerns can be broadly categorized into three main areas:

The maritime doctrine of India.

Overall, the maritime doctrine of India reflects India’s ambition to become a leading maritime power and to secure its maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. However, this ambition also raises concerns among other regional countries, particularly Pakistan, about the potential implications for regional stability and security.

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

A multilateral debate with marine representatives from 27 different countries is called the Indian Sea Marine Conference (Particles). To promote participation and coordinated action among the naval forces of the Indian Sea region, the discussion was set forward in 2008. The Particles is based in India and has members from all around the Indian Sea region, including South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman, and Oman. The conference provides an opportunity for different nations to discuss topics related to local stability, sea space awareness, and maritime security. The Particles’ main objectives are:

The Data Combination Center-Indian Sea Locale (IFC-IOR), which is located in Master Gramme, India, is one of a few working panels and meetings that The Particles possesses. The IFC-IOR is a cooperative data-sharing center that continuously provides information on maritime security threats in the Indian Sea region. In the Indian Sea region, The Particles have emerged as a vital gathering for boosting provincial security and soundness. However, international tensions and rivalries between partner countries, especially between India and Pakistan, limit its adequacy. Over time, the Particles provide a vital platform for enhancing communication and involvement among regional naval forces as well as for addressing common security issues in the Indian Sea region.

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

The Indian Marine Edge Affiliation (IORA) is an international organization that brings together countries from the Indian Sea region to promote collaboration and involvement in areas including trade, speculation, marine security, and predictable outcomes. The organization, which covers about 20% of the global economy and more than 33% of the world’s population, was founded in 1997 with 14 member states. Since then, it has expanded to 23 member nations. The IORA identifies four key need areas:

The IORA offers part countries a gathering to discuss shared issues and make helpful answers for them. In any case, the association’s adequacy is compelled by the different needs and interests of its part countries as well as the international conventions and clashes nearby. Notwithstanding, the IORA keeps on being a significant scene for progressing territorial mix and collaboration in the Indian Sea district.

Pakistan’s response.

Pakistan has expressed its concerns over India’s maritime ambitions and its emerging marine capabilities in the Indian Sea region. India’s expanding maritime presence is seen as a threat to the country’s interests and public safety, particularly in light of the long-standing regional disputes between the two countries, such as the Jammu and Kashmir problem. Pakistan has provided many responses to India’s maritime ambitions.

In short, Pakistan has reacted to India’s maritime ambitions by enhancing its marine capabilities, strengthening critical partnerships with neighboring countries, promoting provincial engagement and exchange on sea security problems, and engaging in dialogue with India. However, the more pressing political and regional issues between the two countries are preventing these initiatives from moving forward. Pakistan generally views India’s maritime ambitions as a potential threat to its security and important regional interests. Pakistan understands the value of maritime security and the necessity to safeguard its interests in the Indian Sea, but in light of exchange and commitment with all partners, it has needed a more helpful and all-encompassing approach to deal with local security.

Geopolitical Implications.

In conclusion, India’s maritime ambitions have significant global implications for the region, particularly in light of the ongoing struggle between China and India for resources. The rise of India as a regional maritime power has sparked fierce competition between the two countries, which has implications for regional vitality and local stability. The conflict between China and India has also led to growing tensions between the two countries and has serious repercussions for lesser neighboring countries.

Literature Review.

The present investigation of India’s oceanic goals under the Modi regime and its impact on Pakistan’s security will be summarized in this writing audit. The audit includes research-related books, publications, and articles. India has recently emerged in the Indian marine region as a prominent marine power. India’s desire to travel to sea has been influenced by several factors, including its expanding economy, growing energy demand, and the need to protect its maritime communication cables. India’s marine capabilities have received special attention under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, which aspires to make the country a dominant maritime force in the region. There is a growing body of literature that has explored India’s maritime ambitions and their implications for regional security. For instance, in their article, “India’s Maritime Ambitions: Implications for Regional Security,” David Brewster and Rory Metcalf argue that India’s growing naval capabilities have raised concerns among its neighbors, including Pakistan. The authors suggest that India’s focus on building a blue-water navy could potentially challenge China’s maritime ambitions in the region. In essence, Anit Mukherjee examines India’s maritime procedure under the Modi system in his book, “India’s Maritime Technique and Asian Security,” and argues that India’s expanding maritime capabilities are aimed at extending dominance in the region and defending its preferences. Mukherjee suggests that India’s maritime policy is motivated by a desire to protect its ocean lines of communication and oppose China’s growing influence in the region. Several researchers have focused on the effects India’s maritime ambitions will have on Pakistan’s security. Shabbir Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Rashid Tabassum claim in their essay, “India’s Sea Regulation: Ramifications for Pakistan,” that Indian maritime rule poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s security. The authors contend that India’s maritime strategy, which emphasizes the development of a blue-water naval force and the organization of vessels that can be transported by plane, may undermine Pakistan’s maritime security. Also covered in Syed Ali Zia Jaffery’s article, “India’s Sea Desires and Pakistan’s Reaction,” is Pakistan’s response to India’s expanding maritime capabilities. According to Jaffery, Pakistan has responded to India’s oceanic objectives by strengthening its maritime capabilities, particularly by acquiring state-of-the-art submarines and improving maritime education aimed at fending against India’s naval system. According to the present investigation, India’s maritime ambitions under the Modi regime would have a significant impact on territorial security, particularly Pakistan’s security. To address their well-known differences and improve local harmony and security, India and Pakistan must be willing to engage in dialogue and participation.

Findings of the Study

A few significant findings have come from the focus on India’s oceanic ambitions under the Modi administration and its impact on Pakistan’s security. These consist of,

  1. India’s maritime ambitions are motivated by both practical and financial considerations: India has placed a strong focus on strengthening its marine capabilities as a result of its growing economy, increasing energy demands, and concerns about ocean security. India’s maritime ambitions are also intended to defend its dominance in the region and counter China’s expanding influence.
  2.  India’s naval strategy is centered around a blue-water navy: India’s maritime system places a strong emphasis on the development of a blue-water naval force capable of expanding its influence in the region and protecting its interests. The positioning of warships that can carry airplanes and the acquisition of cutting-edge marine resources are essential components of India’s maritime strategy.
  3. Pakistan is concerned about India’s growing naval capabilities: The development of a blue-water naval force capable of expanding influence in the region and defending its objectives is prioritized by India’s maritime system. Key components of India’s maritime strategy include the deployment of warships that can carry aircraft and the acquisition of cutting-edge marine resources.
  4. Pakistan has responded by developing its naval capabilities: Pakistan has countered India’s expanding maritime capabilities by strengthening its maritime capabilities, including the acquisition of state-of-the-art submarines and the development of a maritime theory intended to undermine India’s maritime strategy.
  5. India’s partnerships in the region have implications for Pakistan’s security Organizations of India alongside other countries in the region, such as the US and Japan, have recommendations for Pakistan’s security. These groups may even strengthen India’s marine capabilities while weakening Pakistan’s ability to protect its oceanic advantages.
  6. Engagement, dialogue, and cooperation are necessary to promote regional peace and stability: To address their well-known differences and achieve territorial harmony and soundness, India and Pakistan must be committed to dialogue and cooperation. A positive dialogue between the two countries might promote a greater understanding of one another’s security issues, help to develop confidence and reduce tensions.

In general, the analysis advises that the Modi system’s oceanic ambitions of India would have a significant impact on territorial security, particularly Pakistan’s security. The study emphasizes the necessity for Pakistan and India to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve their security concerns and promote local harmony and reliability.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are put out in light of the findings of the focus on India’s maritime ambitions under the Modi administration and their impact on Pakistan’s security.:

In general, the ideas suggest that India and Pakistan focus on engaging in a fruitful dialogue to resolve their security concerns and develop peace and stability in their respective provinces. The ideas also stress the importance of expanding regional financial integration, strengthening multilateral provincial systems, and avoiding any aggressive actions that may weaken regional power.

Conclusion

Overall, India’s maritime ambitions under the Modi administration have had a significant impact on regional security, particularly in light of India’s ties with Pakistan. India’s maritime education, which emphasizes the nation’s crucial location in the Indian Sea and the need to increase power there, has led to a significant expansion of India’s marine capabilities and the development of new sea organizations. Pakistan has expressed concerns over India’s maritime aspirations, particularly about the development of essential infrastructure like ports and naval bases in the Indian Sea region. These concerns are rooted in Pakistan’s security concerns since India’s maritime expansion may be perceived as a threat to Pakistan’s key advantages. The outcomes of this study reveal that to resolve their security concerns and enhance territorial peace and strength, India and Pakistan should engage in constructive dialogue. Measures to increase certainty, such as maritime-to-maritime dialogues and cooperative oceanic activities, might be looked into to promote openness and create confidence between the two countries. Provincial multilateral organizations like the Particles and IORA, for instance, can enable Pakistan and India a platform to connect with other countries in the region and develop a more prominent role in marine security. Greater financial integration between India and Pakistan could also advance regional stability and dependability. Initiatives to increase people-to-people contact should be encouraged to foster greater understanding between the two countries. In principle, India and Pakistan should discuss their respective security concerns and try to establish a stable and peaceful maritime order in the Indian Sea region. The suggestions made in this study provide a roadmap for achieving this goal, highlighting the necessity for constructive dialogue, confidence-building measures, and more significant local engagement.

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