India's Necklace of Diamonds: A Counterweight to China's Maritime Ambitions

India's Necklace of Diamonds strategy is a geopolitical response to China's growing maritime influence in the Indian Ocean region. The term was first coined by former Indian Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh in 2011. The strategy aims to establish India as a dominant power in the Indian Ocean by forging strong economic and security partnerships with key littoral states.

At the heart of the strategy is the development of a network of ports and maritime facilities along the Indian Ocean rim. These facilities would serve as strategic hubs for trade, logistics, and military operations. India has already invested heavily in port development in countries such as Iran, Oman, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

The Necklace of Diamonds strategy also emphasizes cooperation with other regional powers, such as Japan, Australia, and the United States. These partnerships aim to counter China's growing military presence in the region and to ensure the freedom of navigation and trade in the Indian Ocean.

The Necklace of Diamonds strategy is a multifaceted and ambitious undertaking. It remains to be seen whether India will be able to fully implement the strategy and achieve its objectives. However, the strategy has already had a significant impact on the dynamics of the Indian Ocean region.