Competition in the Indian Ocean is intensifying: NSA Ajit Doval -

New Delhi: The statements made by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during the inauguration of the Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG) regarding the Indian Ocean are making waves in the media. The scenario in this once an Ocean of peace is rapidly changing. The NSA pointed out the intense competition in this region due to the changing geopolitical equations. India also needs to initiate steps to safeguard its interests in the sector.

The Marine borders cannot be secured with fencing. Therefore, the use of advanced systems is necessary. Thus, India will invest more to safeguard its interests in the marine sector. India needs to take steps taking cognisance that the situations in the region’s countries also affect Indian security. Doval said that since independence, the coordination and cooperation between the agencies operating in the marine security sector. Hence, the importance of the MAMSG has increased tremendously.

The NSA pointed out that along with the international freight movement, a significant part of the Indian trade movement passes through the Indian Ocean. Doval said this has increased the importance of the Indian Ocean and delivered a message that the ambition of certain countries is rising to dominate the region. China is making systematic efforts to establish domination in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian dominance, given its natural geographical position, is not acceptable to China. Therefore, China has increased its activities in this vital sector. The warning issued by the NSA is referring to these.

Due to the Chinese activities, instability has increased in the region from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the countries from the region have taken initiatives to cooperate against China. The United States also has taken serious cognisance of the Chinese activities and has announced to provide impetus to the QUAD cooperation between India, Japan and Australia. But while making QUAD claims, the United States formed a new group, AUKUS, with Australia and the United Kingdom. Following that, the United States formed a group named Partners in the Blue Pacific with the Indo-Pacific countries like Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The United States has also made NATO participate in the competition in the Indo-pacific. Some analysts claim that this is a ploy of the Biden administration to keep India away.

Therefore, strong competition is likely to be sparked between China and the groups formed by the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian NSA has consequently given the message that in this scenario, India must be more cautious to safeguard its regional interests.