ABSTRACT
India is the dominant naval power in the northeast and is generally regarded as a net security provider to the region. India has several security imperatives in and around the northeast. First, it represents a key space for the defence of India against potential threats that may emanate from or through the Southeast Asian archipelago. Second, the ability to control the sea lines of communication that cross the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea and enter the Pacific Ocean through the Malacca Strait would provide India with a bargaining chip in dealing with rival powers, particularly China. Third, the area is affected by numerous non-state security issues that may either directly threaten India's interests or otherwise require it to act as a regional maritime security provider, including piracy and smuggling, maritime terrorism, the activities of separatist movements and territorial disputes over offshore energy resources. Fourth, is the desire by India to expand its strategic role in Southeast Asia and further into the Pacific in order to balance China's growing influence.
