SINO-INDIAN RELATIONS IN INDIAN OCEAN IN THE 21ST CENTURY: MARITIME SECURITY COOPERATION

The Sino-Indian relationship in the Indian Ocean Region is a unique relationship characterized by the elements of complex security. These two nations not only have to manage their age old rivalry, but also pursue cooperation. Over the last couple of years, both China and India have emerged as major economies and potential global powers and are together the topic of much academic focus and media coverage. The underlying elements of mistrust, tensions and disputes still remain deep rooted. However the regional shifts in the balance of power and changing dynamics in the international milieu have resulted in the two states striving to engage with each other, while simultaneously reviving the process of confidence building and also competing for greater global power and influence. The study is focusing on cooperation and competition between Sino-Indian relations with the help of Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) by Barry Buzan and Ole Waever. The paper analysed the importance of the Indian Ocean Region in India?s strategic thinking. Both are fast emerging as major maritime powers in the Indian Ocean Region as part of long-term shifts in the regional balance of power. As their interests, power expands and wealth, the two countries are also increasingly coming into contact with each other in the maritime domain. How India and China get along in the shared Indo-Pacific cooperation in the trade, coexistence, competition, or confrontation may be one of the key strategic challenges of the 21st century. The Sino-Indian relationship is a difficult one because the security relations remain relatively complicated and volatile is by numerous unresolved issues. India perceives China as attempting to restructure the strategic environment in its kindness, with by establishing positions with neighboring countries that could be used against India.