Economic Competition or Containment? India’s Role in Anti-China Indo-Pacific Alignments

Indo-Pacific and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) often construed from the prism of geographic coupling of Pacific and Indian Oceans, and maritime security are, in actual geopolitical developments reflecting the competitive tendencies in region. India is exploiting the competitive tendencies in Indo-Pacific region to reinforce its footprints and also to counter balance China’s advancement to Indian Ocean and South Asia. India as part of the US led regional structures like Quad and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is trying to limit China’s regional influence. India’s exploration of oil and gas in South China Sea, deployment of warships to the Sea and promotion of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) narrative on the Sea are provocative gestures targeted at China. India’s participation in region’s maritime exchanges alongside with navies of ASEAN countries, Japan, Australia and the US point towards India’s emerging role in region’s security. India has also launched diplomatic initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to promote its narrative on maritime security.