What is it?
- The Necklace of Diamonds is a strategic concept often seen as India’s response to China’s String of Pearls.
What does it focus?
- This initiative focuses on creating a series of strategic alliances and military bases across the Indian Ocean, akin to a “necklace of diamonds,” to ensure India’s dominance in the region and to maintain its security and economic interests.
Main Pillars
- Strategic Naval Presence: India strengthens its military bases and naval outposts in the Indian Ocean, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Agalega (Mauritius), and Assumption Island (Seychelles), to monitor critical sea lanes.
- Chabahar Port Development: India invests in Iran’s Chabahar Port to gain access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, countering China’s presence in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.
- Partnerships with Indian Ocean Nations: India builds strong diplomatic and military ties with Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and East African nations to enhance regional influence.
- Naval Modernization: India is upgrading its navy with advanced warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers to project power and safeguard the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Defense and Security Agreements: India signs logistics agreements with the U.S., France, Japan, and Australia, allowing mutual access to military bases and strengthening maritime security cooperation.
- Multilateral Naval Exercises: India participates in key joint exercises like Malabar, Varuna, and MILAN, enhancing defense cooperation and interoperability with partner countries.
- Quad Alliance: India’s involvement in the Quad (U.S., Japan, Australia) bolsters efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering China’s growing maritime influence.
- Maritime Security Enhancement: The strategy secures India’s interests in the Indian Ocean, ensuring control over vital sea lanes crucial for global trade and energy supplies.
- A Counterbalance to China’s String of Pearls: The Necklace of Diamonds directly counters China’s String of Pearls strategy, creating a robust network of alliances and strategic bases to protect India’s economic and territorial interests.
- Regional Influence and Stability: By strengthening its presence and alliances, India enhances its role as a regional security provider, promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.