Abstract

The 21^st century is often called the “Asian Century,” as countries like China and India are reshaping the global distribution of power. In the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), China’s increasing economic and military capabilities, especially its assertive maritime approach, have shifted the focus of international geopolitics. China’s maritime strategy originally known as the “String of Pearls” and now evolving into the concept of the “Golden Necklace”, has raised concerns regarding India’s maritime security and strategic independence. This research aims to thoroughly examine this changing strategic environment, where the “String of Pearls” refers to China’s geopolitical plan of building a network of ports, military bases, and economic projects across the Indian Ocean, forming a chain similar to pearls. Key examples include Pakistan’s Gwadar port, Sri Lanka’s Hambantota, Bangladesh’s Chittagong, Myanmar’s Kyaukpyu, and Djibouti’s naval facilities. Recently, China has expanded this approach with the more sophisticated “Golden Necklace,” which integrates economic investments, maritime diplomacy, digital infrastructure, and military presence to achieve broad maritime dominance. These strategies have directly and indirectly affected India’s strategic planning, economic stability, and energy security. Central issues in this research include the challenges faced by the Indian Navy, the potential for strategic encirclement, the security of sea trade routes, and the influence on India’s relations with neighboring nations. This study will explore the long-term effects of these strategies on India’s maritime security and regional stability.