Emerging Strategic Collaboration between the USA and India in the Indian Ocean: A Move Towards Chinese Containment

Abstract

Background: To counterbalance Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, the USA established a strategic alliance with India. Geographically, the majority of India's territory is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean's Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCS). Through these SLOCs, major commerce, trade, and exchange of goods occur. Strategically, the USA needed a partner that was capable of balancing China regionally. The location of India made it of pivotal significance for the USA. By the 1990s, the USA had started to conduct naval exercises with India. The USA also increased its naval forces and power projection capability to contain growing Chinese influence over the SLOCs of the Indian Ocean. The USA also provided India with the latest technology and training for increasing the capability of the Indian navy.

Aim of the Study: study aim to find out how does the USA balancing Chinese power in the Indian Ocean? What are the factors that are shaping the USA offshore balancing policy in the Indian Ocean? What is the response of India in the offshore balancing of the Indian Ocean?

Methodology: methodology of this study includes interviews. First, the triangulation of the questionnaire was carried out, Secondly, purposive sampling was done to select the experts for the interview. A semi-structured interview was conducted. The data has been analyzed Using the content analysis method.

Findings and Conclusion: The USA is still the only hegemon in the world. As a result, no major change has been brought due to the rise of China as one of the major powers in Asia. The interests of the USA and India converged with the announcement of the USA policy of rebalancing to Asia in 2011.