ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the historical strategic context of the Bay of Bengal for naval powers through the modern era. It explores the rise of China and its impact on the Bay of Bengal, and examines India’s response to Chinese initiatives through military and strategic economic cooperation with littoral nations as well as the major powers. The chapter focuses on the deepening rivalry between India and China in the Bay of Bengal and explores the possibilities for mitigating it. The potential of gaining any logistical or berthing facilities in Bangladesh will escalate the Sino-Indian security dilemma in the region. The Sino-Indian competition in the Bay is most prominent in the case of Sri Lanka, an island considered within New Delhi’s sphere of influence. The Bay of Bengal is re-emerging as a key strategic theatre in the Sino-Indian competition. Access and influence in the Bay will give China significant strategic advantages.
