World News | Naval chief expresses concern over growing geopolitical power game in Indo-Pacific amid U.S.-China rivalry

New Delhi [India]March 14 (ANI): Admiral R Hari Kumar on Monday expressed concern over the growing geopolitical power game in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that the US-China rivalry in the region could be a “marathon”.

Speaking at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) ‘Vimarsh on National Security Challenges in the Maritime Sector’, he said, “The US-China rivalry is here to stay, it’s not a short spin, it’s a long marathon in which they are engaged. This inevitably leads to a naval arms race between the West and China, similar to the World War I era between the Allies and the Central Powers.”

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The U.S.-China rivalry in the region has led to an arms race, the naval chief said. “For example, China has brought in 148 warships in the last 10 years, I would say that’s probably the size of the entire Indian Navy, and the process is still going on,” he said.

“So this arms race has turned our resource-rich region into an arena for competition for influence, markets, resources, energy, etc.,” Kumar added.

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The naval chief noted that this competition has resulted in a scramble for space in the region, where many external powers want access.

“A large number of countries have proposed an Indo-Pacific strategy, many of which are not part of the region. As a geostrategic reality, the Indo-Pacific is also accompanied by the return of great power competition,” he said. .

“Simultaneous competition and cooperation add to the security complexities. While much is said about the ongoing conflict in Europe, the fact is that much of Europe continues to receive Russian treaty despite broad Western sanctions against Russia. energy, which shows that even in times of conflict, countries cannot be totally free from interdependence,” Kumar added.

He also highlighted the country’s significant achievement in building the ‘Make in India’ INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, saying the carrier has a high proportion of indigenous equipment, including the development of steel companies for Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and local steel production .

“I feel like our nation’s maritime identity is now shaping our overall outlook and is probably getting the recognition it deserves. The interplay between maritime security and India’s prosperity may become more important to India’s polity, policymakers and people. Clear. So Indian seas are on the rise and the tide of the times calls for us to seize this opportunity to navigate these high waters,” the Chief of Naval Staff added.

He also pointed out that out of the 43 warships and submarines built by the Navy, 41 were made in India alone. (Arnie)

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