Introduction
The Indo-Pacific, which spans the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is increasingly becoming an area of growing strategic importance. The region is heavily influenced by the evolving regional competition and global trade.[1] India’s approach in the region aims at redefining the regional order through concerted diplomatic, military, and economical measures. Initially, New Delhi had adopted a cautious policy in welcoming the role of Indo-Pacific in the Indian strategic outlook, but now it has a more proactive approach where India collaborates with regional alliances in countering Chinese influence in the wake of changing regional and global dynamics.[2] The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a key area of global geopolitics where critical maritime passages, leading economies and strategic interests intersect. Security, trade, and influence are strongly shaped by mechanisms such as the China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the U.S.-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). However, disputes in the maritime corridors like the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca, make navigation complex.[3] In this context, India emphasizes proactive measures in the Indo-Pacific corridor by boosting the economic collaboration, multilateral exercises and defense cooperation with regional as well as global actors.[4] Understanding New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific strategy in 2025 requires taking into account India’s partnerships, resource constraints and regional rivals.
