In international politics, the Indo-Pacific region is strategically significant. It supports over 60% of the world economy and is home to around half of its people. Sea routes in this area are essential for linking Europe and North America with the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia. Notably, these routes handle many of the world’s oil shipments and around one-third of all maritime trade worldwide.
This area contains essential chokepoints, including the Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Malacca. Disruptions at these chokepoints might significantly impact global trade flows, underscoring the Indo-Pacific’s significance in maintaining global energy security and economic stability. Emerging markets in this region are essential drivers of global growth and serve as a hub for investment, commerce, and geopolitical impact. Since many nations understand the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and its undeveloped resources, which will contribute to the rise of the global GDP, it is one of the economic regions with the quickest growth rate.
Due to conflicting state interests and a growing China, the Indo-Pacific area has turned into a site of geopolitical instability. The United States and other countries attempting to uphold the current regional order regard China’s increasing aggressiveness and sweeping influence as a threat. To avoid a change in the Indo-Pacific’s power dynamics that would upset international economic and security systems, the United States prioritises opposing China.
Meanwhile, the EU is motivated by regional security, economic interests, and environmental sustainability objectives in the Indo-Pacific area. To maintain its growth and resource access, the EU, a trade-centered economy, makes significant investments in preserving free sea lanes and stable ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
India has a much more expansive vision for the Indo-Pacific, calling for a “free, open, inclusive, and rules-based region.” With ASEAN at its centre, India strongly focuses on safe waters, respect for international law, and independence from regional domination. As a vital link between the Atlantic and the Asia-Pacific, the Indian Ocean is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is, therefore, a key component of global geostrategic planning. Concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which jeopardises India’s regional ties and the balance of power in South Asia, are the primary cause of India’s desire to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Influential China
By forging solid military and economic ties with nearby nations like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, China has boosted its influence in the area and jeopardised India’s strategic location. India may challenge China’s increasing dominance by expanding its Indo-Pacific influence. It upholds stability and strategic autonomy by advancing its goal of a “free, open, inclusive, and rules-based” region.
China’s position on the South China Sea, its backing of Russia in the conflict in Ukraine, and its tense relations with Taiwan are all indicators of the changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S., EU, and India have come together over this common worry, and they are all extremely wary of China’s intentions, which can potentially change the Indo-Pacific order in its favour. Regional conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and the associated Red Sea piracy, highlight the vulnerability of vital marine routes. Disruptions to significant trade routes highlight Europe’s need for safe and stable economic corridors.
The European Union has seen a rise in the participation of its member nations, especially France, Germany, and the Netherlands, to further its goals in the Indo-Pacific. Italy eventually became a part of this strategic alliance. As the sixth-largest exporter in the world, Italy depends on the Indo-Pacific area, which also improves digital connection, as evidenced by the upcoming Blue-Raman underwater cable project that will link Genoa and Mumbai. With the establishment of the “India-Italy-Japan” trilateral in June 2021 to advance security, stability, and multilateralism, fortifying ties with India is a key component of Italy’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
In March 2023, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni travelled to India as the primary guest for the Raisina Dialogue, further strengthening the friendship and ultimately leading to a strategic partnership between Italy and India . When India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Italy in October 2023, this visit set the stage for formally signing the defence cooperation pact. With an emphasis on cooperative defence strategy, research and development, and co-production projects in India, this agreement offers a thorough framework for enhancing defence relations. Additionally, it makes intelligence exchange, industrial cooperation, and combined military training much more manageable. Additionally, it emphasises maritime security.
The Anchors of the Sea
The Blue-Raman undersea cable system, which would link Italy and India across the Middle East, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was unveiled at the 2023 G20 Summit in India, are two noteworthy projects that highlight Italy-India collaboration in addition to defence. Both countries’ shared commitment to a stable, safe Indo-Pacific is reflected in these projects, which improve economic and digital connectivity.
By signing this deal, Italy and India can take advantage of their advantageous positions in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean to promote connectivity, stability, energy security, and freedom of navigation in these vital maritime areas. Through combined naval drills, both nations are already intensely involved in the Indo-Pacific, and their collaboration increases their influence there.
Image Source: All-Israel News
Representatives from the Directorate of International Defence Cooperation, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, and the Italian Defence General Staff Military Policy and Planning Division convened the 12th India-Italy Military Cooperation Group meeting in New Delhi on March 12–13, 2024. Deepening the strategic partnership, becoming increasingly crucial in the changing global security environment, was the main topic of discussion.
This agreement improves both countries’ preparedness to handle possible threats and instability in the Indo-Pacific region by facilitating a coordinated response to new issues. India and Italy can gain from a more well-developed intelligence system that offers thorough regional insights and permits more accurate evaluations of geopolitical trends with enhanced information-sharing procedures. It is based on multilateralism, shared prosperity, and international law. Through diplomatic efforts or crisis mediation, this alliance enables India and Italy to serve as stabilising factors and uphold peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. India and Italy are pillars of stability in an area where nations like China may compete to control the Indo-Pacific, and they are dedicated to preserving safe and open trade routes. To maintain the Indo-Pacific as a free, open, and rule-based maritime region, they hope to stop the abuse or obstruction of these crucial corridors through this alliance.
