STRING OF PEARLS

"Control of the seas means control of everything." — Alfred Thayer Mahan

Background

• The term was first used by the US in 2005 to describe China’s growing naval presence in the IOR.
• It symbolizes a series of ports, bases, and maritime infrastructure that China has developed or is investing in across South Asia and East Africa.
• These “pearls” are positioned along key maritime routes, especially the Strait of Malacca, through which a significant portion of China’s energy imports pass.

• Gwadar Port (Pakistan): Developed by China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), providing China direct access to the Arabian Sea.
• Hambantota Port (Sri Lanka): A strategically located deep-sea port, leased to China for 99 years.
• Chittagong Port (Bangladesh): An important port for trade and connectivity, with Chinese investments.
• Kyaukpyu Port (Myanmar): Offers China an alternative route for energy imports, bypassing the Strait of Malacca.
• Djibouti Military Base: China’s first overseas military base, located near the strategically crucial Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

• Energy Security: Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas from the Middle East.
• Trade and Connectivity: Facilitating Chinese trade through maritime routes.
• Geopolitical Influence: Expanding Chinese influence in South Asia and East Africa.
• Countering Regional Rivals: Establishing a dominant presence in India’s strategic backyard.

• Strategic Encirclement: The String of Pearls is often seen as a part of China’s “encirclement strategy” to limit India’s regional influence.
• Maritime Security Challenges: China’s presence in key maritime chokepoints threatens India’s naval dominance in the IOR.
• Economic and Diplomatic Pressure: Chinese investments in neighboring countries can shift regional power dynamics.
• Energy Security Risks: China’s increasing control over critical maritime routes can disrupt India’s energy supplies.

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Promotes regional maritime cooperation to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Chabahar Port (Iran): Provides India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
• Naval Modernization: Enhancing naval capabilities and expanding maritime surveillance in the IOR.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening alliances with countries like the US, Japan, and Australia through the Quad.
• Regional Diplomacy: Promoting regional connectivity initiatives like Project Mausam and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The String of Pearls is a reflection of China’s growing maritime ambitions. For India, it presents both strategic challenges and opportunities to assert its regional leadership. Through enhanced naval capabilities, regional diplomacy, and cooperative partnerships, India can ensure stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.