The Geopolitical Rivalry of India and China in the Indian Ocean as a Crucial Determinant of the Future of Littoral States: Case Study of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Behind the rhetoric of Indian Ocean geopolitics, great power rivalries are trapping tensions over the region’s sustainable future. Sri Lanka, located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, with close ties with both India and China, is now obliged to adopt more cautious strategies due to the two great powers devising their new experiments of expanding maritime trade and security connectivity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially as Sri Lanka has become a ‘playground’ of their competing interests. The theoretical examinations based on Alfred T. Mahan’s Sea Power Theory and Robert D. Kaplan’s Geopolitics in the Indian Ocean offer a comprehending perspective on geopolitical rivalries of great powers which supports the main focus of this paper namely, how such geopolitical rivalries challenge over littoral states. This paper analyses this concept taking Sri Lanka for the case study. The paper examines two interrelated case narratives i.e., dealing with foreign direct investments to port development and bilateral maritime security ties with India and China. Considering the case study approach, this paper utilises qualitative data collection methods, including several key secondary sources in examination i.e., seminal publications, diplomatic and journalistic reports. The conclusion of the paper inquires into whether or not Sri Lanka upholds its external sovereignty given the increasing geopolitical tension between India and China in the IOR and their increasing interest over Sri Lanka’s port development and maritime security. Further, Sri Lanka is positioning an explanatory case study to comprehend the geopolitical challenges of littoral states in the Indian Ocean Region.