Navigating the Waves: The Evolution of India’s Maritime Policy

News Context

1. Source and Scholarly Context

• Official Abstract. This analysis is based on a review by Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia of *The Routledge Handbook of Maritime India* (edited by A. S. Raju and R. Srinivasan), published in *The Hindu*. You can read the original piece here: The Hindu – India’s Maritime Policy.
• The Dual Boundaries. India’s identity is defined by a unique geography: the Himalayas to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. While the north historically saw land-based invasions, the south fostered an outward-looking culture of trade and exploration.

2. Historical Foundations: The “Nautical Tigers”

• Ancient Reach. Indian sailors reached the far corners of the East and West long before the colonial era. The handbook highlights the **Chola Dynasty** (dubbed “The Nautical Tigers”) and the **Marathas** for their sophisticated naval capabilities.
• Nehru’s Doctrine. Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized that the power controlling the Indian Ocean ultimately holds India’s trade—and its very independence—at its mercy.
• K.M. Panikkar’s Legacy. The handbook reaffirms the relevance of scholar-diplomat K.M. Panikkar, who argued that India’s destiny is inextricably linked to the sea.

3. Strategic Regional Partnerships

• Defining Boundaries. India has successfully demarcated its maritime boundaries with almost all neighbors (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.), with **Pakistan** being the lone exception due to “motivated assumptions.”
• The Convergence Era. India’s maritime ties have seen a massive turnaround since the 1980s, specifically with:
• **Australia:** Evolving from distant neighbors to key security partners.
• **Japan:** Building on essential structural similarities and shared democratic values.
• **France:** Collaborative efforts in maritime multilateralism within the Indo-Pacific vision.

4. The India-China Maritime Rivalry

• Sino-Indian Dynamics. Analysts suggest that India and China are currently locked in a “zero-sum game,” exacerbated by external influences like U.S. strategy.
• Rules of Engagement. The handbook recommends formal discussions between New Delhi and Beijing to establish high-seas rules, aiming to prevent a “clash of interests” detrimental to both.
• The BRI Warning. Using Sri Lanka as a case study, the research shows how internal issues like clan politics and corruption can lead nations into China’s **Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)**, compromising sound maritime governance.

5. From Observer to “Net Security Provider”

• Combating Piracy. In the early 2000s, the Indian Navy transformed its image by taking a lead role in curbing piracy in the Arabian Sea.
• Power Projection. India is no longer just a littoral observer; it has emerged as a **net security provider**, ensuring the safety of global sea lines of communication (SLOCs).
• Stitched Traditions. Highlighting the blend of old and new, the **INSV Kaundinya**—a vessel built using ancient Indian “stitched” techniques—embarked on a voyage to Muscat in late 2025, symbolizing India’s reclaimed maritime heritage.

6. The Shifting Indo-Pacific Context

• Evolving Salience. While the “Indo-Pacific” dominated discourse for two decades, its prominence is facing challenges from global crises in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Red Sea.
• U.S. NSS 2025. The new U.S. National Security Strategy reportedly views China more as an economic competitor than a geopolitical adversary, forcing India to refine its own strategic hedging.
• Hedging Systems. Experts argue for a maritime presence that creates a “political and economic confluence” of like-minded regional powers rather than relying on a single alliance.

7. The Blue Economy and Technology

• Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA). A critical future frontier involves monitoring underwater systems and securing the seabed, which is vital for both national security and resource management.
• Economic Revolution. The “Blue Economy” encompasses sustainable fishing, deep-sea mining, and offshore energy, shifting the view of the ocean from a “transit space” to a “productive place.”
• Climate Resilience. As sea levels rise, maritime policy must now integrate coastal security with environmental protection and climate adaptation strategies.

8. Key Maritime Statistics