India and China have been engaged in a geopolitical rivalry in the Indian Ocean, with the Maldives serving as a key battleground. India has long provided assistance to the Maldives in various sectors of development, but China's growing influence in the region poses challenges to democracy and regional stability. The recent regime change in the Maldives, with the victory of a pro-China candidate, has further intensified this rivalry. The strategic location of the Maldives, its significance in terms of shipping lanes and naval power projection, make it a valuable prize for both countries. The President-elect of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, who oversaw Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, has pledged to remove foreign military detachments stationed in the Maldives, which is likely to face opposition from India. China, on the other hand, has been actively strengthening ties with the Maldives, attending the inauguration of the new Maldivian President and expressing readiness to promote Belt and Road Initiative projects. China's increasing trade and development ties with the Maldives contribute to the overall rivalry between China and India in the region. The future of India-Maldives relations and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region will be crucial to watch.
China is hosting the second conference of its Indian Ocean Region Forum to solidify its influence in the strategic waters adjacent to India's backyard. The forum aims to counter India's strong influence in the Indian Ocean region, where India-backed organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association have taken root. The conference will include participation from countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Djibouti. The political situation in the Maldives is uncertain, as the new President Mohamed Muizzu has fallen out with former pro-China President Abdulla Yameen and seeks to pursue his own foreign and domestic policy.
In the second meeting of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation (CIORF), China proposed launching a climate information and early warning system project in the Indian Ocean region. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and aims to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the region. Additionally, China plans to implement 200 small livelihood projects and train 20,000 professionals in various fields, covering topics such as green development, climate change response, ocean planning, and fishery development. These initiatives are part of China's efforts to strengthen its development cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and counter India's influence. The forum also discussed the development cooperation of the blue economy between China and countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Russia has also been making its presence felt in the Indian Ocean region, aiming to assert its global power status and challenge India's regional ambitions. Moscow held joint naval exercises with Myanmar and docked warships in Bangladesh, signaling its desire to be seen as a major player in the region. Russia's activities in the Indian Ocean could complicate the geopolitical scene and potentially irritate the US and China. India, a close strategic partner of Russia, is in a dilemma as it balances its ties with Washington and Moscow. Russia's engagement with countries in the Global South is aimed at demonstrating that it is not isolated. Moscow also plans to establish a naval base in Sudan on the Red Sea. China has also shown increasing interest in the Indian Ocean region and has longstanding ties with many Indian Ocean states. The competition between China and Russia for influence in the Indian Ocean region adds another layer of complexity to the already tense geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The rivalry between China and India in the Indian Ocean region continues to evolve, with both countries seeking to expand their influence and strengthen their ties with countries in the region. The outcome of this rivalry will have significant implications for the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region and the future of regional stability and development.
[8bd5f16d] [927f3953] [cec89552]