India And US – Maritime Cooperation

02-Jul-2017

Source: Business Standard

What is the issue?

• In the recently concluded Modi-Trump interface,
• maritime security was stressed thrice by the US president.
• The joint statement acknowledged the need for both countries to play meaningful and legitimate roles in the ‘Indo-Pacific’ and to ensure freedom of movement at sea consistent with international norms.

What does it mean for India?

• The term “Indo-Pacific” was first coined by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2008.
• The Americans soon shied away from it and put out the more convoluted terminology of “Indo-Asia-Pacific”.
• By using the old term again, it seems that the US recognises India’s legitimate role in waters stretching from the Suez Canal to the waters of the western Pacific.
• India is an Indian Ocean Region (IOR) player, but given its size, interests and growing maritime trade, its concerns extend beyond it.
• So, even though India is not a South China Sea littoral state, it cannot remain excluded from developments that are taking place there.
• Its inclusion as party to the Indo-Pacific provides exactly that recognition. And, this is fully consistent with our long-term interests.

How cooperation at sea should be?

• Cooperation at sea involves not just ships carrying out exercises over a couple of days, but understanding the whys and the wherefores.
• This can come about only if there is some degree of synergy of doctrines, and for this to happen information sharing is important. So, some compromise seems necessary.
• In the IOR, India has to become a net security provider and that will often require joint operations with the US.
• Also, the Malabar series is clearly an Indo-Pacific event and lends credibility to India’s aspirations and potential.
• Meanwhile, these elements must be added the American clearance for the supply of nearly two dozen Guardian drones for the Indian Navy.
• The Indian Navy also has an enquiry ongoing for nearly
• five dozen fighter aircraft to operate from aircraft carriers at sea.
• Procurement of major military hardware must always be seen through the prism of geopolitical interests more than just financial cost.
• The dialogue just concluded gives India an opportunity to make the required course correction.

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