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Foreign Policy through a ‘Security Prism’?

May 31, 2017 | Expert Insights

Australia was prevented from participating in the ‘multi-lateral’ exercises, commonly known as ‘Exercise Malabar’. The naval exercises were executed since 1992, both permanent members- U.S and Japan are in support of Australia joining the exercises, they see it as a natural ally. The naval drills take place every year among countries that include the United States, India and Japan.

In 2007, Australia had taken part in the past as a non-permanent member but withdrew from the quadrilateral drills, with China prohibiting the expansion of the drills. In January, Australia’s Defense Ministry formally wrote to India in hopes of partaking in Exercise Malabar this year (2017). However, due to recent developments in the Indian Ocean carried out by China, the proposal was blocked by India.

Background

China, diversifying its nuclear and military capabilities is worrying India. China’s naval operation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has increased in the last two years. India believes that the activities carried out by China in making long-drawn investments in areas close to India’s ports is a cause of concern, as it encircles the Country. The Indian Navy has reported that at any given time, there is atleast one Chinese submarine in the region (IOR). 

China’s Naval Strategy

China, in keeping with the disputes that may arise in the South China Sea sees it as an ‘imperative operation’ to strengthen its naval operations.

China has plans to built bases for aircraft carriers, across the world, mainly though with countries that are willing to cooperate with it, therefore it may include countries like Pakistan building on the China-Pakistan-Economic Corridor (CPEC). In May 2016 last year, Chinese submarines were reported to be docking at the Karachi Harbour. While building on new capabilities, China also reinforced the capacity of current ones by strengthening its first aircraft carrier, the ‘Liaoning’.

India must build on Capacity over Insecurity

India’s insecurity arises from underdevelopment in the naval area. Submarines are powerful wartime instruments, capable of launching naval and land-base targets.

India has a small submarine count in comparison to China and all the submarines are over 25 years old. China ranks top three as one of the major submarine powers in the world. China has 60 submarines which are not like the conventional ones; there are quite a few that are nuclear powered that can fire nuclear weapons. They also have the capacity to be deployed at sea for much longer.

India has 13 conventional submarines and 2 nuclear powered ones. After more than 30 years, India will procure ‘INS Kalvari’ and ‘INS Khanderi’ in 2017.

When a Country revolves its foreign policy around security issues shadowing its region, it could mean that the Country faces a very real threat. However, considering the backlash to Australia, India must find better ways to deal with its insecurity in the region, without facing a big ‘trade-off’ in the process. Perhaps, developing its naval base and promoting relations with Countries that share the coast could be a start.