Growing China-India Competition in the Indian Ocean: Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

The Indian Ocean is the world’s third-largest body of water and has become an area of growing competition between China and India. As the economy, power and interests of both the countries increase, this competition endanger the stability of the region, which is significant for global maritime trade flows. This paper aims to give an overview of India’s ambitions as well as China’s growing strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Based on their growing interests, the study will highlight the implications of this competition for Pakistan. It will also try to present a way forward, which Pakistan must adopt to avoid its interests being compromised.