Rationalizing the Trends and Trajectories of India’s Maritime Strategy by 2035

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the changing trends in the strategic dynamics of Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It employs qualitative research method and analytical techniques relying on data mainly collected from secondary sources. The changes in the geostrategic environment are taking place as a result of India’s rapid naval modernization by 2035. These trends and trajectories are explained through the lens of Alfred Thayar Mahan’s theory of sea power. The Indian Ocean connects Asia and Africa with significantly important ports with a huge maritime traffic of around 100,000 vessels per annum and out of which around one third is the cargo ships. The oil flow from the Persian Gulf region has augmented the global importance of this oil route because the per annum oil flow is more than one trillion US dollars. The region is under great influence from China and the United States also not reluctant to the gradually changing strategic equation. India is indeed one of the largest littoral countries in the IOR. New Delhi is giving maximum focus to the modernization of maritime strategy. Whereas, in the pursuit of becoming a regional strongman has started rapid modernizing of the