Description
The world has undergone a rapid change in the 21st century, especially with the rise of two Asian giants China and India. The impact of this development on the Indian Ocean region has also been felt. India, which lies in the heart of the Indian Ocean, giving her natural advantage though China does want to be left behind as Indian ocean constitutes the centre of its maritime trade. Chinese assertiveness found its expression in the South China Sea issue. Secondly, its ambitious plan of belt and road initiative, in which the Maritime Silk Road constitutes an essential part that shows growing Chinese influence in the surrounding Indian neighbours. The paper will analyse various issues on which both countries differ and also bring out the importance of the Indian Ocean concerning their claims. It will also examine the impact of this competition on the global front and its likely effects on cooperation and conflict Asia-Pacific region particularly.
