ABSTRACT
This chapter surveys the major developments and drivers that shape the United states (US) approach to Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as it would influence future geopolitics of the IOR that will have major implications for India. While it considers India's response in enlarging its strategic canvas. The chapter focuses on the emerging theatre of global strategic rebalancing, and why the 'US Strategic Guidance 2012' has linked the US economy and security to developments in the Indian Ocean, raising India as a long-term strategic partner and anchor in the region. It shows how US strategic objectives and policy evolved and the implications of the American approach and Indian response to the imperatives of competition, engagement and cooperation in the IOR. The main focus would be on finding US gains in re-balancing southwards. Lastly, is the US pivot shifting westwards from the core of the Asia-Pacific towards the Indo-Pacific.
