The Bay at the Heart of Indo-Pacific Strategy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Thailand for the BIMSTEC summit holds profound significance, reinforcing two fundamental tenets of India's foreign policy—Neighbourhood First and Act East.

- ANIL K ANTONY

These initiatives have played a pivotal role in reshaping India's diplomatic outreach and regional influence, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indo-Pacific.

The Bay of Bengal is central to India's maritime strategy. It's a crucial link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with the Malacca Strait being a critical chokepoint in the global trade network. The importance of this maritime region extends beyond trade; it is vital for India's energy security and economic stability. Major Indian ports like Kolkata, Chennai and Visakhapatnam depend on secure sea lanes for uninterrupted commerce, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a critical vantage point for monitoring and projecting strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific.

India has taken proactive steps in reinforcing maritime security through multilateral engagements such as the Quad—comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia—which promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific. Naval exercises like Malabar and initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) also reflect India's commitment to regional security and stability.

However, challenges persist, including China's growing naval presence in the region, piracy, illegal fishing and climate change-related threats. This makes India's role in BIMSTEC all the more critical, as it allows all the countries involved to shape regional discourse and strengthen collective security.