The Race for Supremacy: 

Unveiling the King of the Indo-Pacific Oceans

On a serene Sunday evening, a boy from Mumbai sat on the beach, enjoying the spectacular views. As the sun set over the bustling beaches, a question arose in his mind: what lies beyond the horizon? Before he could ponder this, another question emerged: like the lion is the king of the jungle, who is the king of the Indo-Pacific oceans?

To explore this topic, we must first understand the importance of ocean trade routes, illustrated by a historical example: the “Golden Age of the Cholas.”

Comparing 1025 CE to the 21st century, we see that not much has changed. Today, countries still use ocean routes for trade and commerce, influence other nations with soft power, and maintain strong naval power to safeguard their routes.

Having understood the history, let's delve into the present scenarios. In recent years, Western countries have developed strategies focused on the Indo-Pacific, often emphasizing closer ties with India. This is because India is the fastest-growing and largest economy in South Asia, the third-largest economy in Asia, and one of the largest in the world. This economic powerhouse is backed by a strong military, including a formidable blue-water navy.

Today, India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean serves as a sentinel of stability, with its ships patrolling the waters to ensure the safe passage of goods and provide security to the region. From the bustling IT hub of Bengaluru to the manufacturing powerhouses of Maharashtra and Gujarat, India’s economic engine drives growth across the Indo-Pacific, fueling innovation and prosperity. India is also a net security provider in the region, showcasing its potential as the king of the Indian Ocean.

However, in the broader Indo-Pacific, there are three potential contenders for dominance: China, the USA, and India. The USA was once the undisputed leader in the Pacific, but its supremacy is now being challenged by its economic rival, China.

The Pacific Ocean shares its borders with 12 different marginal seas, among which the South China Sea is in the most dire state. A diplomatic tug-of-war is ongoing between the USA and China, with both forming alliances and conducting naval drills to showcase power in the region. China, on the other hand, is breaking maritime laws and capturing seas and islands through its slicing strategy.

In response to the Chinese threat, various alliances have emerged, notably QUAD and AUKUS. QUAD, a strategic grouping of the USA, India, Australia, and Japan, aims to keep strategic sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free from military or political influence. It is seen as a counter to Chinese domination. Meanwhile, AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the USA, involves assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines to restrain China’s dominance.

The power struggle in the Indo-Pacific will likely intensify, with powerful nations striving for dominance and smaller countries caught in the middle. The race for the crown of the Indo-Pacific remains uncertain. If China wins and the USA loses, a new chapter will begin: the race between India and China for dominance. Conversely, if China falters, the contest may shift to a race between the USA and India for the crown of the Indo-Pacific.