Psychological Insights into the Strategic Competition between China and India in the Indian Ocean: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The Indian Ocean holds significant importance as it serves as a crucial link connecting oil-rich countries in the Middle East to the rapidly growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region, which have experienced remarkable economic growth over the past three decades. In recent times, the Indian Ocean Region has gained substantial attention from major global powers due to a combination of geoeconomic and geopolitical factors. This increased significance has led various actors to develop specific strategies to secure their interests in the region.China has expanded its influence in the Indian Ocean by establishing connections, providing loans, and constructing infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India, on the other hand, has pursued a "neighborhood first" policy to maintain its traditional sphere of influence in the region. Consequently, the Indian Ocean Region has become a focal point for strategic competition, particularly between China and India, as the two powers vie for dominance. This strategic competition has placed countries in the Indian Ocean Region at a critical juncture, compelling them to make choices between the competing influences of China and India. Some countries in the region have adopted a hedging strategy, strengthening their defense capabilities and forming partnerships to counter China's growing power. Others employ alternative strategies to maintain a balance between China and India's influence in the region. In light of this dynamic context, this article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the Indian Ocean Region's importance and the escalating strategic competition between China and India within it. The primary objective of this paper is to examine the differing approaches taken by China and India in the region and to explore the response choices made by indigenous countries in the face of this competition. Through a comprehensive examination, this article aims to enhance understanding of the Indian Ocean Region's significance and shed light on the divergent strategies employed by China and India. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the response choices of indigenous countries as they navigate the rising influence of these two global powers.

Keywords: Competition, Strategy, China, India, The Indian Ocean