Indian Necklace of Diamond's
9:24 AM
What is ‘String of pearls’?
China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy ensues establishing maritime bases in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Djibouti to enhance its influence and military network. India argues that China is trying to surround it with a network of dual-use port facilities in the Indian Ocean. Concern – Defence, Energy security
Choke Points
The sea lines run through several major maritime choke points such as the Strait of Mandeb, the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Lombok Strait.These pearls position China near many of these choke Points.
Debt traps
Sri Lanka had relied heavily on China to construct $1.5 billion port in Hambantota.
After the port was operating at a loss and couldn’t generate enough revenue to repay the loan to Beijing, the port was leased to China for 99 years in return for $1.1 billion which eased its position.
Encircling India
• String of pearls
• Debt Trap
• CPEC
• Belt and road projects
India’s Counter
India has been creating a “Necklace of Diamonds” to counter the “String of Pearls” created by China The ‘Necklace’ comprises
1. Changi Naval Base in Singapore
2. Chabahar Port in Iran
3. Assumption Islands in Seychelles
4. Sabang port in Indonesia
5. Duqm Port in Oman
Changi Naval base, Singapore
PM Modi signed the India-Singapore Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation in 2018 which allows Indian Navy ships logistical support, including refuelling at Singapore’s Changi naval base. Benefit- Strait of Malacca is considered as one of the most important (and busiest) shipping lanes in the world. It is the primary shipping lane between the Indian and the Pacific Ocean .
Chabahar Port in Iran
The Iranian port provides access to Afghanistan and an important trade route to Central Asia. India hopes to counter the Chinese built and operated nearby Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
Assumption Island, Seychelles
In 2015, India and Seychelles agreed upon the development of the naval base in this region.
Military access
This base is of strategic importance to India as China wants to increase its presence in the African continent through the maritime route and Assumption island lies on the major route.
Sabang Port, Indonesia
In 2018, India got the military access to Sabang Port which is located right at the entrance of Malacca Strait, near Nicobar islands. A large chunk of trade and crude oil passes on to China through this region.
Duqm Port, Oman
In 2018, India got military access to the Duqm Port too.It is located on the south-eastern seaboard of Oman. The port facilitates India’s crude imports from the Persian Gulf. In addition to this, Indian facility is located right between the two important Chinese pearls- Djibouti and Gwadar. In addition to this, India is creating strong naval ties with Vietnam, Japan, France, Australia and the United States.
Challenges to India’s strategy
Iran has decided to proceed with Chabahar-Zahedan railway line project by itself citing delays in funding from india. China’s investments in its String of Pearls exceed the investments made by India for its Necklace of Diamonds.Almost all nations have economies dependent on China. No country wants to get into a cold war with China currently as China supplies essential pharmaceutical products to nations worldwide.
Salami Slicing
China has followed the ‘Salami slicing’ tactic for most of its territorial claims. Minor actions without provoking any reaction from others over a period of time lead to a strategic shift in the ground realities in its favour. While the world is still vulnerable and recovering from the pandemic, China has not shied away from flexing its military muscles against ALL of its neighbours.