2021-11-26-观察家研究基金会-海上印度_寻求坚定的身份（英）_30页_11mb

Maritime India: The Quest for a Steadfast Identity

This paper analyzes India’s evolving maritime strategy, focusing on its shift from continental to maritime-centric foreign policy and the challenges and opportunities this transformation presents.

Key Points:

1. Geographical Advantages and Historical Shift: India has rich maritime resources but historically prioritized continental engagement due to security concerns. The 1990s liberalization marked a turning point, with maritime security and trade becoming central to policy.

2. Post-2014 Focus: Under Modi's leadership, maritime capacity development intensified, driven by geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific, the rise of China, and India's growing trade dependency. Policies like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) and Maritime Vision 2030 aim to expand India's role in global maritime trade and security.

3. Naval Expansion and Partnerships: India has enhanced naval capabilities and expanded partnerships across the Indian and Indo-Pacific regions. Initiatives like the Quad, naval exercises, and increased presence in key chokepoints (e.g., Gulf of Aden, Malacca Strait) underscore this shift. Regional navalsymposia and information-sharing platforms (e.g., IONS) bolster maritime cooperation.

4. Challenges:

   • Resource Limitations: India’s naval budget remains insufficient compared to its strategic needs, reflecting a long-standing “blue-water” capability gap.
   • Strategic Ambiguity: Navigating alliances (e.g., Quad) and securing support from global powers while maintaining non-aligned preferences poses dilemmas.
   • Continental vs. Maritime Priorities: India continues to face land-based threats, potentially overriding maritime strategic imperatives.

5. Future Outlook: India’s maritime identity is intertwined with the Indo-Pacific region. Achieving a “blue economy” and securing traditional and non-traditional threats depends on sustained investment, partnerships, and policy coherence. Addressing historical neglect of maritime security remains crucial for India’s global strategy.