The struggle for maritime dominance between Asia's two rising powers: China-India rivalry in the Indo-Pacific

The regional competition between China and India has become increasingly noticeable in recent years, particularly intensifying in the maritime domain with the onset of the 21st century. Both countries are seen to strategically focus on developing themselves as naval powers and establishing a connection between their national interests and maritime prowess. In this context, it is evident that China and India have embraced the ideas of Alfred Thayer Mahan, whose works continue to shape the foreign policy strategies of nations today, emphasizing the concept of sea power. Influenced significantly by Mahan's ideas, these two countries have begun to emerge prominently in the maritime domain through their advancements in naval capabilities. Consequently, this study aims to examine the maritime competition between China and India through the lens of Mahan's theory of Sea Power. The focal point of the maritime rivalry between the two countries lies in the Indo-Pacific region. The discourse of Indo-Pacific, gradually replacing the Asia-Pacific narrative, has found its place in the strategic documents of many nations today. The Indo-Pacific region has become the new strategic arena for competition between China and India, both of which are reconstructing themselves as naval powers. With the expansion of their competition into the maritime domain, China has strengthened its presence in the Indian Ocean while India seeks to exert influence in the South China Sea. Hence, this study attempts to analyze the mutual moves initiated by both countries in the Indo-Pacific region from a realist perspective.