Beyond Borders: India’s Ascendancy in Indo-Pacific Strategy

The world is increasingly recognizing India’s formidable strategic capabilities, which now span land, sea, and the intricate domains of cyberspace and space. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan recently articulated this evolving power dynamic, focusing on India’s expanded role in the Indo-Pacific theater. He explained that modern conflicts transcend conventional boundaries, venturing into digital and cognitive realms. Speaking at the 9th Military Literature Festival 2025, Gen Chauhan emphasized India’s unique geographical duality as both a continental and maritime power. This inherent strength allows India to be a responsive first-mover and a trusted partner for nations worldwide. He echoed sentiments on geographical determinism in strategy, positing that a nation’s location profoundly influences its capacity for power projection and its range of strategic options. Looking back, Gen Chauhan observed how India’s early post-independence challenges necessitated a continental focus, yet its geography inherently positions it as a significant maritime player as well. He charted the historical evolution of global power struggles, noting the transition from contests over land and sea to the present-day emphasis on space, cyberspace, and the cognitive domain. The strategic significance of locations like Djibouti and Singapore, situated at crucial maritime choke points, was highlighted for their vital role in sustaining global trade. Additionally, the critical maritime routes through Indonesian waters, connecting major oceans, were recognized as indispensable for international commerce. Gen Chauhan’s discourse firmly establishes India’s indispensable contribution to navigating the complex multi-domain strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.