Answer

India’s strategic dilemma in balancing continental and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific stems from its dual focus on land borders with adversaries like China and Pakistan and its maritime interests across vital sea lanes. With geographical constraints and limited resources shaping its defense priorities, India must optimize its approach to safeguard both domains effectively.

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India’s Strategic Challenges in Balancing Continental and Maritime Security Interests in the Indo-Pacific Region

• Prioritizing Land Security Over Maritime Needs: India’s contested land borders, especially in the Himalayas, necessitate a significant allocation to land forces, leaving maritime security secondary.
  For example: India commits 85% of its military forces to land security, driven by recurring standoffs with China in the Ladakh region.
• China’s Dual Threat: China’s aggression along India’s land borders and growing presence in the Indian Ocean forces India to divide its focus.
  For example: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and PLA Navy activities in the Indian Ocean compel India to address dual threats.
• Indo-Pacific Rivalries and Alliances: Navigating strategic partnerships like QUAD without over-committing risks exacerbating tensions with China while maintaining regional balance.
  For example: India participates in Malabar exercises but refrains from fully endorsing AUKUS to avoid over-polarization in the Indo-Pacific.
• Economic Constraints on Military Expansion: Budgetary limitations restrict India’s ability to scale its navy while ensuring sufficient investment in land forces.
  For example: India allocates only 14-17% of its defense budget to the navy, hindering its maritime modernization plans.
• Limited Maritime Influence: India struggles to expand its maritime reach eastward into the Pacific Ocean due to competing priorities and limited naval capacity.
  For example: India’s naval focus remains centered on the Indian Ocean, with limited operations in the South China Sea compared to the US or Japan.

Geographical Constraints and Resource Allocation Impacting India’s Naval Aspirations

• Landlocked Neighbors and Peninsular Shape: India’s geography demands securing long land borders and vast coastline, straining its resources.
  For example: India’s strategic orientation prioritizes Himalayan defense over extended naval operations.
• Challenges in Island Territories: Islands like Andaman and Nicobar require heavy investments for coastal and port defense, diverting resources from open-sea capabilities.
  For example: India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) strengthens IOR security but limits funding for blue-water navy expansion.
• Straits of Malacca and Chokepoints: India’s reliance on crucial chokepoints for trade heightens vulnerability to maritime disruptions.
  For example: Securing the Malacca Strait is vital for energy imports, requiring enhanced naval presence.
• Dependency on Importing Technology: India’s indigenous naval production lags, relying on imports for advanced ships and submarines, slowing its maritime capability growth.
  For example: India acquired Scorpene-class submarines from France due to delays in domestic production.
• Coastal Infrastructure Deficiencies: Insufficient port facilities and outdated shipyards hinder the navy’s operational readiness and maritime ambitions.
  For example: Lack of modern port facilities at Mumbai and Vizag delays fleet deployments during crises.

Roadmap for enhancing maritime capabilities without compromising land security

• Focus on coastal defense systems: Strengthen coastal surveillance, missile systems, and naval air bases to ensure near-sea dominance without stretching naval assets.
  For example: India has deployed the Sagar Prahari Bal to enhance coastal and port security.
• Increase naval budget incrementally: Enhance naval modernization by reallocating resources through efficiency in Army operations, enabling balanced resource allocation.
  For example: The induction of INS Vikrant highlights India’s commitment to modernizing its naval fleet.
• Strategic partnerships: Leverage partnerships like QUAD and logistics agreements to reduce unilateral costs of maritime operations and capacity-building.
  For example: India signed logistics agreements with the US and Australia for joint maritime exercises.
• Develop dual-use infrastructure: Build ports and airstrips for both commercial and military use to enhance maritime presence cost-effectively.
  For example: The Chabahar Port provides economic benefits while securing India’s influence in the Persian Gulf.
• Strengthen indigenous capabilities: Invest in Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives for naval shipbuilding and submarine production to reduce dependence on imports.
  For example: INS Arihant, India’s indigenous nuclear submarine, is a product of the Make in India initiative.

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A balanced approach to India’s security requires integrating robust maritime and continental strategies. Prioritizing indigenous defense production, enhancing regional cooperation like Quad partnerships, and optimizing resource allocation can ensure comprehensive security. Future-focused investments in AI-driven surveillance and multi-domain capabilities will strengthen India’s role as a credible power in the Indo-Pacific.

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