India planning to strengthen maritime alliance in Indian Ocean region amid Indo-China clashes

Shikha Chaurasia

Pune, July 2, 2020: Amid Indo-China clashes and the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley, India is now planning to strengthen maritime alliance in the Indian Ocean region. More details haven’t been released and the plan is still under works. The plan could also include countries which have suffered due to China’s hostile behaviour in the South China Sea.

The alliance with countries and grouping together with Japan, Australia, the US and India will increase the strength. This will also monitor the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and will help maintain a good balance.

The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world. Unlike other oceans, the entry into the Indian Ocean is not simple. It is not an open entry. The entry is via straits like the Strait of Malacca. India by deploying warships near the Malacca strait, which is of utmost importance to China can give a clear message to the communist country.

India is also a part of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). It is a 22 member body consisting of countries which share a border with the Indian Ocean. The members are planning to take action against China for carrying out illegal fishing activities in the region.

India has also been engaging on a personal level with individual countries like Australia by establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia. We have also carried out maritime exercises with the Japanese in the Indian Ocean.