greater opportunity for maneuver and influence. Indian foreign policy these days
is marked by real and growing preparedness to use military power in pursuit of
national interests. Given the nation’s central geographic location, this allows the
navy and coast guard far more latitude for action than the other services.
India is no longer constrained by Cold War politics; nor does New Delhi see
any need to carve out a third way between the two former giants. India’s relation-
ship with Russia has taken on a businesslike tone, in keeping with Moscow’s
function as a supplier and recipient of defense technology. Meanwhile, the
nation’s growing strategic partnership with the United States represents a signifi-
cant break with past policy. The high-level political impetus behind this new
partnership will push it along briskly, and cooperation at sea is one logical way
to advance the relationship. As noted above, Indo-U.S. maritime cooperation
has been mixed, featuring advanced exercises and operations near Malacca, on
the one hand, but distant relations in the northern Persian Gulf, on the other.
The sporadic progress of recent years is likely to continue, with at least two
factors holding back full cooperation: reports indicate lingering differences of
opinion between military officers and national security officials in Washington
and New Delhi,^49 and the ongoing effort on Washington’s part to balance its
relationships with Pakistan and India remains a complicating factor. While the
U.S. relationship with the two South Asian powers is no longer ‘‘hyphenated,’’
some tensions will persist in the maritime realm—especially to the degree that
the United States continues to provide Pakistan with military technology and
work with Pakistani forces at sea.
International political dynamics, however, will likely exert less influence on the
direction and pace of India’s overall maritime capabilities and strategy than will
ongoing domestic tensions between those who favor indigenization and those
who espouse using foreign purchases to achieve swifter modernization. Privatiza-
tion and reform of the Indian defense industry are associated issues.^50 The pace
and scope of reform will have a significant impact on India’s ability to quickly
meet its demand for modern and capable sea services.
Despite questions about the growth of Indian maritime power, it is clear that,
for the first time in centuries, India will be a significant player in Asian waters
beyond its immediate neighborhood. The nation sits astride key SLOCs
for energy security, and it has taken projecting power for purposes as varied as
tsunami relief and strategic deterrence. Fellow Asian sea powers will have to take
Indian capabilities—not just Indian potential—into account.
India as a Maritime Power? 145