By Dr. James M. Minnich
March 18, 2025

India finds itself at the heart of a rapidly shifting security landscape, balancing the challenges of border tensions, maritime competition, and evolving defense partnerships. In this episode of Dialogue, Dr. Srini Sitaraman, a professor at DKI APCSS and an expert on Indo-Pacific security, offered a deep dive into India’s strategic calculations—from its uneasy standoff with China to its expanding defense cooperation with the United States and the Quad.

The China Factor: A Strategic Squeeze

India’s most pressing geopolitical concern remains its tense relationship with China. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues to be a flashpoint, with China ramping up infrastructure development, military incursions, and economic influence across South Asia. “China’s footprint in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives has expanded dramatically,” Dr. Sitaraman noted. “From an Indian perspective, this feels like a strategic squeeze—forcing the country to rethink its alliances, military posture, and economic strategy.” The June 2020 Galwan Valley clashes underscored India’s vulnerabilities, triggering a reassessment of its border security and military preparedness. Yet, the challenges extend beyond land disputes. “China’s naval operations in the Indian Ocean are testing India’s patience,” Sitaraman observed. “India is responding with Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) initiatives, but the question remains: is it enough?”

India’s Maritime Strategy: Strengthening Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA)

To counter China’s growing maritime footprint, India is bolstering its naval surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. “India is particularly concerned about foreign research vessels mapping the seabed, illegal fishing fleets encroaching on its waters, and the vulnerability of undersea cables,” Sitaraman emphasized. “That’s why India is deepening maritime cooperation with the U.S., France, Japan, and Australia.” India’s maritime partnerships within the Quad—alongside increased intelligence-sharing and joint naval exercises—highlight a broader push toward regional security collaboration.

U.S.-India Defense Ties: Growing Military Cooperation

India’s defense ties with the United States have grown exponentially, supported by key agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). These agreements facilitate military interoperability, technology transfer, and co-production efforts. “India has purchased Predator drones, operates U.S.-made P-8 Poseidon aircraft for maritime surveillance, and is working on joint fighter jet production with GE engines,” Sitaraman explained. “The next challenge is overcoming technology transfer restrictions and ensuring long-term collaboration on defense projects.” India’s interest in F-21 and F-18 fighter jets, as well as fifth-generation air combat technologies, signals its determination to modernize its air force—a crucial aspect of its broader deterrence strategy.

The Future of the Quad: Balancing Security and Autonomy

As a key Quad member (alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia), India carefully balances enhanced security coordination with its longstanding strategic autonomy. “India does not want the Quad to be seen as an anti-China military alliance,” Sitaraman clarified. “They frame it as a grouping of like-minded nations focused on security, technology, and economic cooperation.” This nuanced approach aligns with India’s historical non-alignment policy, even as it deepens its military and strategic partnerships with the U.S. and its allies.

What’s Next for India?

As India navigates great power competition, regional security threats, and internal modernization efforts, its choices will have far-reaching consequences for Indo-Pacific stability. “India’s role is evolving,” Dr. Sitaraman concluded. “Its ability to balance regional threats, enhance deterrence, and forge strong alliances will define the future security architecture of the Indo-Pacific.”

Further Reading

For a historical perspective on India’s strategic evolution, Dr. Sitaraman recommends: Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum (1760–1799) by Vikram Sampath—a deep exploration of one of India’s most debated historical figures.