ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on two major themes. It examines aspects of the security dilemma underlying India–China maritime competition. The concept of the India–China security dilemma, while frequently appearing both in academic discussions and in popular commentary, has rarely been critically interrogated. The book analyses how India–China maritime rivalry is developing in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, more specifically, how are regional and Indian Ocean littoral countries responding to this rivalry. The reactions of other states to Sino-Indian rivalry are an underexplored topic, and the book reveals how they selectively use great-power rivalry while trying to steer clear of making definite choices. Presenting the perspective of countries like the Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and others shifts the focus away from the calculations and interests of India and China and illuminates the agency and diplomatic manoeuvres of these countries.
