India’s Defence Minister highlights the competition for influence in the Indian Ocean region

International power dynamics are increasingly evident in the Indian Ocean region, as stated by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday. He emphasized that maintaining a robust naval presence along this vital trade route is a top priority for the nation.

Although Singh refrained from naming specific countries, experts suggest that China‘s extensive naval capabilities, boasting over 370 vessels, have raised security concerns for India, particularly following the deterioration of relations in 2020 after deadly clashes in the Himalayan region.

Additionally, the United Kingdom and the United States operate a joint military base on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean. While Chinese and Indian forces have withdrawn from two confrontation sites following an agreement reached in October, India’s army chief noted that a certain level of tension remains.

Defence Minister Singh remarked, “A significant portion of global trade and commerce transits through the Indian Ocean region. Due to its geo-strategic importance, this area is becoming a focal point of international power competition.” His comments came during the commissioning of a submarine and two naval vessels in Mumbai.

He highlighted that 95% of India’s trade volume is associated with the Indian Ocean, asserting that a formidable Indian Navy is essential in this context. In response to China’s expanding influence in neighboring countries through investments and development initiatives in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, India aims to establish a naval fleet of 175 ships by 2035, with a focus on utilizing domestically produced components. However, analysts point out that India’s shipbuilding pace lags behind China’s, which constructs nearly 14 warships annually compared to India’s four.