Waves of Friendship: Indian Navy Expands Horizons in Southeast Asia’s Waters
As part of a goodwill tour, the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet traveled to Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei in May 2024. By fostering goodwill and fostering understanding, the visits sought to deepen India's friendship and collaboration with these nations. The Indian Navy visited a number of countries in Southeast Asia while on its operational deployment to the South China Sea. India's dedication to enhancing maritime alliances and growing collaboration with neighboring nations was demonstrated by this trip.A Very Delicate yet Futuristic Approach ~ ( India’s Spheres of Maritime Influence ~ Source: Google Images) For many years, these visits have been occurring on a regular basis. Naval diplomacy, according to the Indian Navy, is the use of naval forces to further a nation's foreign policy. Demonstrating strength and a readiness to deter possible dangers is beneficial. India uses its navy as a vital tool to safeguard national interests and further its foreign policy objectives, both within and outside of the maritime regions, in addition to its military and law enforcement duties.Commander PK Ghosh is quoted by The Diplomat as stating that an essential component of India's foreign policy is the Indian Navy's visits to friendly ports. These trips are crucial for bolstering naval ties and delivering strategic messages to both friendly and prospective adversary nations, despite the fact that they are primarily ceremonial and only take place during times of peace. According to scholar Barry Blechman, even in the absence of specific ongoing diplomatic activities, the mere deployment of a naval force in a territory, regardless of its size, objectives, or actions, constitutes a political strategy. A nation is likely to have more control over events if it places its naval in a region during periods of peace. Since gaining independence, India has sent its naval warships on goodwill missions all around the world. Still, it has predominantly visited ports in the Indo-Pacific territory in recent years. The Efforts Have Been Dominating a Sense Of ‘Partnership’~ ( India’s Spheres of Maritime Influence ~ Source: Google Images) The Indian Navy's visits to nations involved in maritime conflicts with China are not coincidental, nor is its heightened presence in the South China Sea, particularly during a period of escalating tensions between China and the Philippines. Following the border clashes in 2020, relations between China and India deteriorated. India was more actively involved in retaliating against China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. This development increases the likelihood that Indian ships will visit the South China Sea. In 2021, the Indian Navy conducted exercises in the region alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia. Along with seven other ASEAN navies, it conducted a practice in the South China Sea in 2023. In a joint statement with the Philippines, it also urged China to abide by international territorial rights legislation. This most recent deployment demonstrates how India's strategy is constantly evolving. India has primarily assisted these nations in their growth, although it is currently attempting to become more active. Following the third Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, two Indian Navy ships visited Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, demonstrating the country's desire to strengthen its relations in the region. This demonstrates its dedication to maintaining regional stability and advancing a peaceful, rule-based system.
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