Courtesy: Gateway House
After eight years of its nomenclature, on 16th June the U.S. Pacific Command dropped the 'Indo' from its military command title. It reflects clearly that the U.S. does not consider the Indo-Pacific region to be the most consequential theatre of geopolitics today. Yet its significance as the platform on which great-power contestation in political, military, technological, and economic domains will play out cannot be overstated.
Courtesy: Getty Images
India is strategically expanding its influence across the Indo-Pacific region, positioning itself as a key player in regional affairs. Three elements anchor the effort: development aid, trade and the diaspora. The country now has 20 Free Trade Agreement partners in the Indo-Pacific. The 21.8 million-strong Indian diaspora across the region is a significant source of soft power for India.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
The Indo-Pacific region is vital to India’s security and economic development. With escalating threats and geopolitical competition in the region, India is seeking a favourable position through its bilateral ties with countries like Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and the U.S. and special attention must be paid to the various plurilateral groupings India is a part of, to manage future issues.