China in Indian Ocean ?

This blog going to discuss the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean and how India is tackling it. You may hear about String of Pearls, often known as the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) which is to connect the world, to the Chinese government. 

Talking about the Indian Ocean is surrounded by 4 continents i.e., Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Antarctica. Approximately 20 % of the sea surface of the earth comes under the Indian Ocean and 80 % of Global trade of oil and goods transits the Indian Ocean which makes the Indian Ocean strategically critical and important. 

Why is command over the sea important 

Command on the sea allows the nation's ships, goods, military, and commerce to move around the globe at will. Most of the trade is done through ships. In Ocean, if a nation commands over straits/choke points, that nation controls world trade. It helps the nation to pursue its interests.

China, especially CCP is making control over those straits/choke points.

1. Djibouti 

If we see, the Suez Canal is a transit between Europe and Asia that holds approximately 12 % of total global trade and approximately 30 % of Maritime traffic. The Suez Canal saves a lot of time and money for any country that makes it.

Now here, is how China is going near this point, their country Djibouti is in the horn of Africa (east Africa) and very near to the strait of Bab al-Mandab which is between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. This strait is strategically critical as ships pass through it. China has a military base and a port for PLA and PLA Navy in Djibouti. If any conflict starts with China in the future, if China wants, China can block these choke points. 

                                      Actual Base 

2. Gwadar Port 

Gwadar port is situated in Pakistan. China is building and using this port to minimize dependency on the Strait of Malacca. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 

(CPEC) which comes under BRI, China building a vast highway and railway network, which will link Gwadar, Karachi, Lahore, Kashgar (Xinjiang Province), and also central Asia. The corridor passes through Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which is a disputed territory). And also helping Pakistan to build energy plants. The deal was signed in May 2013.

China’s presence in Gwadar is not just about trade—it’s a strategic move. The Gwadar port offers China direct access to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the longer and vulnerable sea route through the Strait of Malacca. It also allows China to have a strategic military and commercial foothold right next to India. This is part of a larger Chinese strategy to encircle India, often referred to as the "String of Pearls".

Hambantota Port – Sri Lanka

Another critical pearl in the string is the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. Though built under the Belt and Road Initiative, Sri Lanka fell into debt and couldn’t repay Chinese loans. As a result, it had to lease the port to China for 99 years in 2017. This gives the Chinese a long-term strategic position close to Indian shores. It’s not just an economic move—it’s a geopolitical one. If needed, China can convert this civilian port into a naval one within days.

Myanmar – Kyaukpyu Port

In Myanmar, China is developing the Kyaukpyu port along with oil and gas pipelines that start from this port and go deep into Yunnan province in China. This helps China bypass the Malacca Strait completely for energy transport. This also means China is slowly tightening its grip across the Indian Ocean from the East as well.

Maldives and Seychelles

China has been actively engaging with small island nations like the Maldives and Seychelles. China has invested heavily in infrastructure in the Maldives, building bridges and ports. These might seem like development projects, but they could be used later for naval logistics or surveillance purposes. Similar reports have emerged from Seychelles, where Chinese naval interests have been quietly expanding.

India’s Counter Strategy

India is not sitting idle. It is well aware of the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. India has launched several initiatives to ensure maritime dominance and counterbalance China’s moves.

India’s partnership with countries like the USA, Japan, and Australia under the QUAD framework is crucial. These countries regularly conduct joint naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure a free and open sea route.

India is also developing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into a strategic military base to monitor and control shipping routes in the eastern Indian Ocean. These islands are located near the Strait of Malacca, which is a critical point for Chinese shipping. With better radar systems, airstrips, and naval bases, India can keep an eye on China’s naval movements.

India has also signed agreements with countries like Oman, Iran (Chabahar Port), Mauritius, Madagascar, and France for access to military bases or port facilities. This creates a network of Indian presence across the ocean, also known as Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Final Thoughts

The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water; it is the heart of global trade and energy flow. China's growing presence and construction of ports and bases under the Belt and Road Initiative is not only about development—it is about domination. From Djibouti in Africa to Gwadar in Pakistan, from Sri Lanka to Myanmar, China is placing its strategic pearls.

India understands this silent game of dominance. Through its strategic alliances, strong naval presence, and island development, India is countering the threat.

This is a maritime chessboard where every move is crucial. The one who controls the sea, controls the power.