ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Maritime Security Challenges in South Asia: India’s Concern Against the String of Pearls

Alfred Mahan once said “Whoever controls the oceans, runs the world.” This assertion holds considerable importance in the context of 21st-century geopolitics in the Indian Ocean area, as dominance over this region is increasingly becoming a strategic battleground for global powers. India has always wanted the region to remain free from interference by outside powers. In recent years, with India's strong prominence on the global stage, tensions have arisen over India's role and the challenges posed by its own neighbouring nation China. Due to this, the region of South Asia has become a strategic battleground in the geopolitical sense, where two big players in the form of India and China try to encircle each other to establish their influence. In this perspective, the maritime domain of South Asia has emerged as a key arena for geopolitical competition, driven by growing trade volumes and strategic rivalry. In today's world of shifting geopolitical landscapes and heightened maritime activities, India is strategically focused on enhancing its maritime diplomacy, necessitating a thorough comprehension of the "String of Pearls." This article examines the evolving maritime security situation in South Asia, with particular attention to India's strategic concerns about China's "String of Pearls" strategy. It delves into the origins of the concept, its main elements, and the implications for India's naval strategy and regional collaboration. Additionally, the study investigates India's strategic responses and suggests measures to strengthen maritime governance and security in the Indian Ocean region.