Indo-Pacific Region

Indo-Pacific region is a strategic landscape for most maritime nations.

Challenges

• Dispute at South China Sea: China has maritime boundary disputes with its littoral neighbors namely, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, among others, over the delimitation of their overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). China’s ownership claims of over 90% of the area comprising the South China Sea, through a self-styled nine-dash line is contrary to international law and established customary practices.
• China’s disregard for International Rules and Customs: China categorically and willfully disregards judgment of the international arbitral tribunal in the Philippines vs. China case which held that China’s claim to the nine-dash line in the South China Sea violates the provisions of UNCLOS, i.e., the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982.
• Debt Trap under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Major concerns of several countries, including India, are that the BRI is neither open nor transparent, and engages in irresponsible financing. It is creating unsustainable debt burdens for countries in indo pacific region.
• Military presence of China in Indian Ocean Region (IOR): China has been building overseas naval base in Djibouti. In addition to this, two commercial ports Gwadar (in Pakistan) and Hambantota (in Sri Lanka) are also operational

India’s Vision for the Indo-Pacific

India’s approach to the Indo-Pacific is based on the principle of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Under SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours.

Shangri La Dialogue

On June 1, 2018, Prime Minister outlined India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region in his speech delivered at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore.

• India calls for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific, based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
• Peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws.
• India’s concept of the Indo-Pacific is inclusive in nature, and supports an approach that respects the right to freedom of navigation and overflight for all in the international seas.
• India’s Indo-Pacific vision is premised upon the principle of ‘ASEAN Centrality’.
• India’s approach is based on cooperation and collaboration, given the need for shared responses to shared challenges in the region.