India Strengthens Maritime Dominance While Pakistan and Bangladesh Struggle in the Indian Ocean
India is reinforcing its status as a dominant maritime power in the **Indian Ocean Region (IOR)** through **TROPEX 2025**, a large-scale naval exercise aimed at enhancing operational readiness. Under its **SAGAR policy**, India is strengthening strategic partnerships and securing vital sea lanes. Meanwhile, **Pakistan and Bangladesh** struggle with economic instability and military dependence on **China**, making their naval efforts appear symbolic rather than impactful. India’s **self-reliant defense industry**, active **Quad engagement**, and leadership in **maritime security** solidify its role as a key player in the **Indo-Pacific**.
As the **Indian Navy** prepares for **TROPEX 2025**, it is reaffirming its role as a **maritime leader** in the **Indian Ocean Region (IOR)**. This large-scale **Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise** will test India’s naval capabilities across multiple domains—surface, air, subsurface, and cyber—demonstrating its ability to secure vital sea lanes and counter emerging threats in the **Indo-Pacific**. Under the **SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy**, India is not only reinforcing its **strategic clout** but also strengthening partnerships through bilateral and multilateral naval exercises.
Meanwhile, **Pakistan and Bangladesh** face significant challenges in asserting their naval presence. **Pakistan**, burdened by economic instability and military dependence on **China**, is hosting the **AMAN-25** exercise in an attempt to stay relevant in the IOR. However, with its aging naval fleet and reliance on Beijing for technological and financial support, Pakistan’s maritime ambitions remain constrained. The exercise serves more as a **symbolic gesture** than a strategic milestone, with China’s **People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)** likely using it to advance its own regional interests.
Similarly, **Bangladesh**, despite its aspirations to expand its naval capabilities, is hampered by **political instability and limited resources**. Its recent cooperation with Pakistan in naval drills reflects an effort to remain strategically engaged, but its reliance on external defense suppliers, including China, undermines its autonomy. While Bangladesh has invested in maritime modernization, its efforts lack a cohesive long-term vision, making its role in the IOR strategically marginal.
India’s **self-reliance in shipbuilding**, exemplified by the recent commissioning of **INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer**, highlights its ability to develop indigenous defense capabilities—something its neighbors struggle to achieve. Through active participation in **Quad initiatives**, leadership in **anti-piracy operations**, and its role in **humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions**, the Indian Navy has positioned itself as a **responsible maritime power**.
*TROPEX 2025** is not just an operational drill—it is a statement of India’s commitment to securing its maritime interests and shaping the future of regional security. In contrast, **Pakistan and Bangladesh’s naval activities appear reactive and strategically insignificant**, further underscoring their diminishing influence in the IOR. While **India moves forward with a clear vision, its neighbors remain entangled in economic and political struggles, unable to match its maritime trajectory.
Disclaimer
This article presents an analysis of India’s maritime strategy and its regional implications. It is based on publicly available information and does not reflect any official stance. The views expressed are for informational purposes only.
source : Newsable Asianet News