Striking an aggressive posture China once again outlines its expansion agenda of naval role in South China Sea by building two lighthouses in the disputed island which could fuel tension further in the region and a major challenge for Indian Navy besides Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. It is more worrying for India with its oil infra in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone in the area which has already been challenged by China. India, with its maritime boundaries extending up to southern tip of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, oil exploration in Vietnam in the east and Bombay High in the west, would have to revisit its maritime strategy viz-a-viz China’s naval expansion. Much was expected from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent China visit. Besides the economic ties it was also expected to lower the temperature on security related issue. China’s growing relations with Pakistan too would be a concern for India especially in defence sector. The growing Pakistan armed forces strength can tilt the balance in case of a limited action or war with India with such tie-ups. China’s growing presence in the changed geo-political situation no doubt will impact the balance of power but can stymie India’s presence in world bodies which cannot be taken as a favourable situation from any power bargain. So India will have to match up to Chinese expansion and spread as neutralizing factor and not as a challenge or threat to China. Such a move also would help in keeping Pakistan under check and control its misadventure against India. Indian diplomacy should come out of its shells and changes its postures to a protective one so that message goes clear across the continent any misadventure would be dealt strongly and harshly to maintain the integrity and sovereignty of the Indian nation.
