August 11, 2025

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is becoming a hotspot of tension, and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is sounding the warning bells! The parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, led by him, pointed out a big worry: China is increasing its presence and influence in the IOR. This isn’t just any development — it’s a serious threat to India’s national security and its strategic interests. The committee’s recent report to Parliament on the evaluation of India’s Indian Ocean strategy paints a clear picture. China is setting up military and commercial infrastructure across vital sea passages under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the “String of Pearls” strategy. This clever move is slowly shifting the region’s power in China’s favor. But that’s not all. The China-Pakistan naval partnership is growing stronger, with joint military exercises and Pakistan’s naval upgrades powered by Chinese support. This mix could shake the region’s stability, the report warns. How should India fight back? The committee recommends deepening strategic alliances with regional powers and global friends like the Quad to ensure collective security. “Building closer ties with IOR littoral states through defense cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and joint maritime operations will be crucial in countering Chinese influence,” the report says. It’s a call to unite and flex muscles together. Technology is also a big piece of the puzzle. The government is urged to boost maritime domain awareness by using satellite surveillance and Artificial Intelligence. This high-tech watchtower will help India spot China’s moves more clearly. Alongside, India needs to upgrade its navy with cutting-edge equipment — advanced anti-submarine warfare vessels, surveillance aircraft, and nuclear-powered submarines — to be battle-ready. Why is this urgent? China’s navy is growing fast and furious. It now has the world’s largest naval fleet, commissioning over 15 new units each year and deploying advanced warships, including carriers and submarines. This show of force confirms China’s serious ambition to dominate the Indian Ocean, making it crucial for India to stay alert and strong. To sum it up, the committee led by Shashi Tharoor is waving a big red flag: India must act fast and smart to secure its hold in the Indian Ocean and keep the balance of power steady against a rising Chinese tide.

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Tags: China, Indian ocean region, Shashi tharoor, India-china relations, Naval security, Strategic alliances,