China and India: Maritime Commonalities and Divergences

When a nation embarks upon the process of shifting from an “inward-leaning economy” to an “outward-leaning economy,” the arena of national security concerns begins to move to the oceans . The expanding economies and ever increasing demand for natural resources has rekindled the maritime vision of these growing nations. The rediscovery of a maritime vision leading to increased inroads in the maritime domain by both these nations could be viewed as being based on maritime commonalities. Along with the commonalities there are divergences in strategic thought and approach. These commonalities and divergences could lead ultimately to competition or a conflict where interests clash. This article discusses the issues that could be considered as the raison d’être of these commonalities and divergences.