Great Powers Competition in the Indian Ocean and Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

Due to its crucial geopolitical importance, the Indian Ocean has long been a site of strategic rivalry between powerful nations. This article traces the development of power dynamics from the period of British colonial control to the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, examining the historical background of the Great Power conflict in the Indian Ocean. The British soldiers' retreat "East of Suez" in the late 1960s was a watershed moment that resulted in a rise in US and Soviet naval operations in the area. By the late 1980s, Soviet influence was starting to fade, while the US Navy (USN) increased its presence, especially in reaction to the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The changing geopolitical environment of the Indian Ocean region results from the emergence of new actors. With an emphasis on Pakistan, this article critically examines the Indian Ocean's present and possible future players. With its key location and engagement in initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan would likely be affected significantly. The analysis results highlight how crucial historical awareness is to comprehending Pakistan's current obstacles and potential as it navigates this intricate and dynamic geopolitical landscape.