June Brief: Modi's Diplomatic Vision: India's Diamond and Necklace Strategy

Modi's Diplomatic Vision: India's Diamond and Necklace Strategy

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been engaging in an ambitious foreign policy initiative known as the Diamond and Necklace Strategy. The primary purpose of this strategic framework is to enhance India's maritime influence and security interests throughout the Indo-Pacific region by utilizing a combination of strategic infrastructure projects, economic initiatives, and diplomatic alliances.

At its core, the Diamond and Necklace Strategy recognizes the critical importance of the Indian Ocean as a global maritime artery for trade and energy transport. India henceforth has an active attitude towards making sure it increases its strategic depth and protection of the marine routes vital for both national economic prosperity and national security.

China's "String of Pearls" strategy”, involving investments in ports and military facilities throughout the Indian Ocean, directly challenges India's regional dominance, which is the prime reason India is actively pursuing the diamond and necklace strategy. Other than that, the Modi government has made efforts to foster strategic alliances with like-minded nations through initiatives such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with the United States, Japan, and Australia. These partnerships focus on intelligence sharing, combined military exercises, and upholding international maritime norms to offset Chinese influence effectively.

Central to Modi's strategy are key infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering India's maritime capabilities and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. The Chabahar Port in Iran, strategically located on Iran's southeastern coast, serves as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia for India while circumventing Pakistan and offsetting Chinese influence in the region. Similarly, developments in Duqm Port in Oman are directed toward creating a multipurpose port (Naval and Trade) and industrial zone, which is further aimed at enhancing the economic relationship and naval cooperation between the Gulf countries.

Securing a naval base on Assumption Island in Seychelles in 2018, India's first out-of-area military base, and collaboration with Indonesia in the Sabang Port, only underline Indian efforts at strengthening connectivity in the region with Southeast Asia and maritime security. In the future, the strategic footprint being built by India will be further expanded with future projects in Vietnam's Cam Ranh and partnerships in Tokyo and Mongolia (2025), underscoring its commitment to shaping a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific through sustained diplomatic efforts, economic investments, and military cooperation.

Despite challenges such as geopolitical rivalries, border disputes, and the complexities of great power competition, Modi's government stays focused on ensuring deftness in diplomacy, robust military preparedness, and sustained investment in the economy towards safeguarding India's strategic interests.

Modi's Diamond and Necklace Strategy is far more of a tectonic shift in India's foreign policy toward assertions of maritime dominance and regional stability. That very vision challenges China's assertive policies; it also furthers economic prosperity and collective cooperative security arrangements across the Indo-Pacific region. It demonstrates India's will to secure marine safety, promote equitable growth in the Indo-Pacific, and adhere to global balance to counter the Chinese expansionist thoughts.

The strategy by Modi herein, therefore, comes with the hope of a future based on peace, prosperity, and advanced maritime cooperation. India is all set to take a lead in shaping through strategic partnerships and infrastructure projects the destiny of the Indian Ocean region, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.