Significance of the Indian Ocean Region in Indo-China Geopolitical Game (original) (raw)

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) holds significant geopolitical importance due to its role in global trade and energy transportation. The relationship between India and China in the IOR is characterized by competition for dominance, particularly influenced by theories of geopolitics such as Mahan's Sea Power Theory and Ratzel's Organic Theory. Both nations have undertaken development initiatives—India's Project Sagarmala and China's Belt and Road Initiative—to bolster their maritime presence and secure energy supplies, while navigating mutual rivalries and fostering economic ties with smaller IOR states.