Archive · 30 Aug 2026
India Expands Indo-Pacific Influence Through Ports and Partnerships
India wants to play a larger role in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is doing this by working with countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands.
India helps with development projects and disaster response.
It also conducts military exercises and sells defence equipment to friendly countries.
India and Indonesia are working on a plan involving Sabang Port near the Malacca Strait.
The port is officially described as an economic and maritime project, but it could also increase India’s strategic presence.
China’s growing military and economic influence is making the region more competitive.
Australia, Japan and the United States are also strengthening their regional partnerships.
Pacific island countries want help from major powers without losing their independence.
The article argues that cooperation, infrastructure and trusted partnerships may matter more than building military bases alone.
India has shifted from its Look East Policy to a more active Act East approach since 2014.
New Delhi has strengthened ties with Japan, South Korea, Australia, ASEAN and Pacific island countries.
Through FIPIC, India supports development and disaster-management efforts across the South Pacific.
India is expanding defence cooperation through military exercises, equipment sales and maritime partnerships.
The proposed Sabang Port project with Indonesia would give India a strategic presence near the Malacca Strait.
- Who
- India, Indonesia, China, Australia, Japan, the United States and Pacific island countries are the main actors discussed.
- What
- India is expanding its Indo-Pacific role through connectivity projects, development assistance, defence cooperation and maritime partnerships.
- When
- India’s more active approach developed after the 2014 change from the Look East Policy to the Act East Policy; the article also discusses current regional developments.
- Where
- Across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, northern Sumatra and the area near the Malacca Strait.
- Why
- India seeks greater strategic influence and regional cooperation amid competition involving China, the United States, Australia and other powers.
- Indian policy shift
- The Look East Policy was transformed into the Act East Policy after the BJP-led NDA government came to power in 2014.
- Regional partnership
- India established the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation, or FIPIC.
- Sabang Port
- India and Indonesia have decided to build Sabang Port in northern Sumatra.
- Strategic location
- The Sabang project is near the Malacca Strait, a strategically important maritime area.
- Indian assistance
- India supports development activities and disaster-management efforts in South Pacific island countries.
- Defence cooperation
- India conducts military exercises with partner countries and sells military equipment, including missiles, to friendly nations.
- Main challenge
- The article identifies China’s military activity and growing influence in the region as India’s biggest strategic challenge.