Security and Growth for all in the region.

1.1.4. Push for A Comprehensive Maritime Policy

♤ There are several factors that are pushing India towards a more comprehensive maritime policy.

o India’s own desire to play a significant role in the Indo-Pacific region, which is supported by regional powers like United States, Australia and Japan.

o China’s special emphasis towards Indian Ocean (through its Silk Road project and growing cooperation with the littoral nations) as well as its formation of the blue water navy was perhaps a reminder to New Delhi that stirred the latter to strengthen its maritime capability in the Indian Ocean, considered to be its ‘strategic backyard’.