Chinese Dual-Use Facilities Raise Security Concerns in India
China’s recent dual-use facilities in Myanmar and Sri Lanka have raised India’s security concerns.
China is working on plans to expand its ground stations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The plans include the following:
- Construction of a military facility on the Coco Islands (Myanmar). It is adjacent to the Andaman and Nicobar island chain.
- A remote satellite communication receiver ground station system has been proposed to be set up in Sri Lanka.
- China is trying to build a strategic encirclement around India under its ‘String of Pearls’ strategy.
- Under this policy, China plans to set up naval bases and intelligence centers throughout the IOR.
Concerns for India –
- The above facilities can be used to spy on Indian assets and intercept sensitive information.
- India’s strategic influence in IOR will be reduced by this move of China.
- The presence of Chinese submarines, destroyers, ships and vessels in the region will pose a threat to Indian maritime security.
- India’s energy security will be at risk due to the Chinese presence along critical supply-routes and chokepoints in the IOR.
Key Initiatives taken by India –
- In response to China’s plans, India has entered into some strategic and strategic agreements with the countries around China (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia etc.).
- Act East Policy has been started. In this, the main emphasis is being laid on the development of infrastructure in East Asian countries.
- Efforts are being made to strengthen economic and security cooperation with IOR countries such as Seychelles and Mauritius.
- The role of institutional mechanisms like Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Indian Ocean Naval Consortium is being promoted.
Source – The Hindu
