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India’s Growing Power on Display: Malabar Exercises and Naval Dominance

4 minutes read

India’s Growing Power on Display: Malabar Exercises and Naval Dominance

4 minutes read

In his recent podcast, Dr. Qamar Cheema discussed the recently conducted Malabar Exercises involving India, Japan, Australia, and the United States, along with India’s expanding diplomatic outreach

  • India and Japan’s Joint Naval Drills in Sydney are symbolizing their strategic presence amidst strained China relations and showcasing regional maritime influence.
  • Navigating consensus complexities while steering global dialogue reflects India’s pivotal role in shaping international discourse.
  • Forging an Indo-Pacific narrative through collaboration with key partners will help redefine regional power dynamics.
  • Balancing territorial concerns with global aspirations, crafting a multifaceted foreign policy narrative.
  • Pakistan should reassess alliances beyond the Middle East and should evolve in geopolitical landscapes for enhanced strategic positioning.

India and Japan are currently conducting the Malabar Naval exercises along the Sydney Coast, a time coinciding with strained relations with China and ongoing war games. Historically, these exercises took place in the Indian Ocean, yet this iteration includes both Japanese and Indian Navy vessels. This joint display serves to convey a message to the region that India and Japan are strategically present, having made stopovers at various locations such as Solomon Island, the Pacific islands, and Papua New Guinea.

This scenario raises a significant question: can India effectively establish deterrence? The collective efforts of these four nations seek to achieve this objective. India’s aspiration is to engage in the global political framework rather than being enmeshed in a global strategic framework, which would entail military involvement and other commitments. This inclination underscores India’s reluctance to become part of such frameworks.

Interestingly, India currently perceives itself as a global player, primarily due to its presidency of the G20. Conversely, concerns emerge that if India fails to achieve consensus within the G20, it would mark the first instance since 2008 that the member countries are unable to produce a joint declaration.

Remarkably, over six meetings involving financial ministers of the G20 and bankers, a collective statement has not materialized. This development is noteworthy for India, particularly considering its efforts to include nine non-G20 countries, thereby demonstrating inclusivity.

Dr Cheema was of the view that India’s proposal to include the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 underscores its engagement with the Global South. This showcases India’s strategic efforts to foster a unified global identity, transcending domestic challenges.

The global perspective on India is shifting beyond mere non-violence to strategic objectives. These dynamics carry substantial significance. Should India secure the support it seeks, particularly from Russia, it would signify a substantial diplomatic achievement.

In 2008, Australia refrained from participating in the Malabar exercises due to Chinese pressure; however, the current inclusion of Australia, India, Japan, and other nations suggests a collective effort to counterbalance China’s influence. This coalition is rooted in the belief that the United States operates within alliances, thereby fostering a compact group.

This juncture marks intriguing times for India’s emergence as a global power. Evidently, India is making substantial investments, exemplified by the $315 million allocation for an exhibition centre related to the G20. This underscores India’s commitment to its developmental trajectory.

Furthermore, Indian preparedness in the Indian Ocean, the Malabar Exercises, and its involvement in the G20 demonstrate a holistic approach to defence. Collaborative discussions among America, India, and Japan regarding a collective defence strategy underscore a significant milestone for India.

India’s primary objective is to exert influence beyond borders, focusing on maritime domains. The intention is to exert pressure on smaller nations, carve their distinct presence, and extend its reach to Africa. This approach aligns with India’s desire to establish a presence in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, further reinforced by the QUAD Maritime agenda and potential collaboration with the United States.

Amidst these developments, India remains cautious about its border disputes with China. Disruptions between the two nations could potentially destabilize the entire region’s peace.

Regarding Pakistan, Dr Cheema advised to consider the evolving geopolitical landscape. With India’s growing influence and collaborations, Pakistan may benefit from reassessing its military and strategic efforts. Shifting its focus towards engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia, and Africa could yield more substantial outcomes than maintaining ties solely within the Middle East.

The array of developments outlined here holds immense importance in shaping regional dynamics and global relationships.

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