In recent developments, China has sent a research vessel to the Maldives. These vessels are highly advanced mobile research stations and are dual-use. The information gathered by the vessels can be used for civilian and military purposes, including the deployment of submarines. This raises a concern for India, as previously the Indian government viewed this move as problematic, as seen in 2022 when China did a similar thing with Sri Lanka. This is significant as India and China have both attempted to sphere their influence in the region. Regarding relations between the Maldives and India, the relationship has declined significantly since the Maldives newly elected president has supported an India out campaign. This is shown by the Maldives government requesting India to remove its eighty troops from the country. The Maldives is not the only country China has placed its research vessels in proximity. In 2019, India expelled another Chinese research vessel from its exclusive economic zone after it entered without permission. Vietnam and Indonesia have also previously claimed that similar Chinese research vessels had entered their exclusive economic zone.
In my opinion, India’s worry about China’s advanced technology in proximity to them is warranted. India’s concerns come from China’s intentions and activities in the region, such as collecting intelligence on India. This can be in the form of gathering information about India’s naval capabilities, and underwater resources in the region, or even monitoring maritime trading routes. This can heighten tensions between the two global powers and affect geopolitical considerations between the two countries, including potential impact on maritime security and trade routes. India’s worry can be confirmed as China has undergone similar actions as seen with Vietnam and Indonesia. This is significant as in recent years China’s geopolitical objective has been to solidify itself as a top global power and push the US and India out. To achieve this spreading Chinese influence in the region to countries like the Maldives, Indonesia, and Vietnam is vital. Furthermore, whatever China’s intentions are with these research vessels they serve as a threat to India and allies. And despite the Chinese government contesting that the purpose of the vessels is not for the military, India and others stay worried about the military use of their research.
In class, we have discussed both India’s diamond necklace strategy and string of pearls strategy. India’s strategy refers to its approach to building strategic partnerships with countries surrounding China. The strategy is to enhance India’s influence and counterbalance China’s growing power in the region. On the other hand China has developed a similar strategy. This plan refers to Chinese efforts in establishing a network of naval bases and ports in the Indian Ocean. This strategy aims to enhance its presence and exert influence in key locations along important shipping routes. Furthermore, the article and its contents directly relate to the intentions behind both India’s and China’s geopolitical strategy, as the Maldives could serve as a new location for China in their string of pearls. This can bring further implications for India as the Maldives is in close proximity.