Pant, Harsh V., and Yogesh Joshi

Abstract
This articles first discusses the current strategic landscape in the Asia-Pacific, underling the transition of power taking place in the region –that is, China’s ascending relative power vis-à-vis the United States.  Further, it reflects on the strategy of the pivot as a response to this strategic flux, suggesting that this power transition is more likely to unfold on the high seas rather than on Asia’s continental land mass and that Indo-Pacific region, therefore, is geostrategically significant for the success of the pivot.  Subsequently, this article focuses on the Indo-Pacific nature of America’s pivot, then on India’s emergence as a potent naval power in the region.  Indian’s maritime strategy, ambitions, and objectives are seen as largely compatible with those of the US.  Finally, the article explains the unresponsiveness of the Indian Navy to the American strategy in terms of the larger Indian foreign policy paradigm.  It concludes with some policy recommendations for better coordination between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific, given their mutual apprehensions over China’s regional aims and their compatible objectives in seeking greater regional stability.
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