The Indian Ocean and China and India’s naval strategy and modernization

A.T. Mahan, the influential naval strategist, argued in 1890 that “whoever controls the Indian Ocean will dominate Asia.” As Mahan continued, “This ocean is the key to the seven seas. In the twenty-first century, the destiny of the world would be decided on its waters.” Whether Mahan’s prophecy will prove to be true remains to be seen. However, it is indeed the case that the Indian Ocean has become an instrumental body of water in terms of economics and security for its littoral states and even those states beyond its reach.