ABSTRACT
The Maritime Silk Road is envisaged as part of the BRI that traverses through the sea from Southern China to the North Sea and includes strategic ports and seas across Asia, Africa, and Europe. This chapter examines the Indo-Pacific construct and the stances of various countries in the region. It also discusses the geopolitical and geo-economic connotations of the South China Sea dispute, Malacca Dilemma, and looks into the potential of the QUAD. This chapter also deciphers whether there is convergence or complementarity between the mega-bloc Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the BRI. Also, the chapter examines the MSR’s engagements with, and benefit for, Africa. BRI has made in-roads in Africa as it industrialises and deepens intra-regional integration. Moreover, the chapter also argues that in the emerging balance of power scheme, it is imperative that India has to occupy a strategic position as the ultimate guarantor of security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
