“India now perceives Chinese hegemonic ambitions with greater clarity, a recognition that was previously elusive.” – C. Raja Mohan, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Delhi
When the USS Salvor, a US Navy rescue and salvage ship, docked at a port in the southeastern region of India during the summer, its primary mission was to undertake vital repairs on the aging vessel. However, this mission also marked the inception of a grander endeavor. It heralded the commencement of a new chapter in the United States military’s efforts to extend its reach across the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aimed to counterbalance the growing influence of China in the region.
This marked the third occasion within a year that a US Navy ship had graced Kattupalli, an industrial enclave situated to the north of Chennai, boasting a state-of-the-art shipyard. Notably, this visit signified the commencement of a five-year ship repair agreement. This agreement represents a concrete and significant step toward fostering defense cooperation between two nations. Their convergence is driven by the forces of geopolitics, as well as Washington’s imperative to engage and fortify relations with the ascending Asian giant.
‘Places not bases’ strategy expands us-India defense deal
Arun Ramchandani, the head of L&T’s defense unit, confidently affirmed their readiness for the venture. He believed it marked only the beginning of something significant. This venture, in collaboration with another defense contractor in Mumbai, is an essential component of the Pentagon’s “places not bases” strategy. This strategy is designed to secure access to locations where the United States currently lacks military installations. In the vast Indo-Pacific arena, establishing these connections holds immense importance. It serves the dual purpose of deterring China and ensuring the sustainability of US mobilization in potential conflicts.
China has already strengthened its partnerships with countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan through the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which involves port construction and expansion. In response, Washington has been racing to catch up over the past year. The US has been forming new security agreements and expanding existing ones with nations like the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, and notably, India. These diplomatic moves represent a climax in the ongoing competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US is actively scouting locations for ship and submarine repair and resupply facilities in some nations, while in others, it has gained access to strategic islands and vital sea lanes. This access includes agreements to bolster infrastructure, provide equipment for law enforcement support, and exchange crucial information on maritime threats.
US seeks military ally and tech partner
Enhanced defense collaboration with India, situated at the far end of the Indo-Pacific region from US bases in Japan and South Korea, occupies a prominent position in American foreign policy. The US views New Delhi not only as a robust military ally but also as a credible alternative to China for manufacturing and technology advancement. This vision received further validation through a shared defense roadmap and a significant agreement on jet engines this year.
However, both nations must contend with bureaucratic complexities, historical legacies, and inherent doubts. An archaic merchant marine law from 1920, designed to protect American shipyards from foreign competition, constrains foreign participation in the repair of combat vessels. India’s historical nonaligned stance and its relative military vulnerability may also limit its inclination to engage with the US in military conflicts. Recent allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil have cast doubts on India’s reliability in Washington’s eyes.
Nonetheless, General Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, reaffirmed the US’s aspiration to transform India into a logistical hub for the US military and its Indo-Pacific partners. This suggests that India’s ports could assume a pivotal role in potential conflicts. Both nations view the ship repair agreement as a tangible demonstration of mutual reassurance, emphasizing their dedication to fostering stronger ties.
“The dynamics of this relationship have evolved – it has broadened and delivered substantial benefits, but its practical implementation poses significant challenges,” noted Anil Ahuja, a retired lieutenant general in the Indian army with experience in US-India military task forces. “We need to identify how and where we can effectively synergize.”
A sharper perception of China’s hegemonic goals
The driving force behind this burgeoning partnership primarily emanates from mounting concerns related to China. New Delhi has grown increasingly uneasy about the presence of Chinese submarines and warships navigating the waters between Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Furthermore, Chinese research vessels have been observed with greater frequency near India’s coastline, raising fears of potential espionage activities orchestrated by Beijing. This evolving geopolitical landscape is reshaping the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, propelling India and the United States towards closer cooperation to fortify regional security.
India’s apprehensions regarding China’s maritime capabilities, which extend beyond their disputed Himalayan border region, have triggered a broader awakening. In a pivotal meeting held in September, US and Indian officials, collaborating on defense innovations, launched design efforts with a strong emphasis on undersea communication and maritime intelligence.
C. Raja Mohan, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Delhi, articulated India’s changing perspective, noting, “India now perceives Chinese hegemonic ambitions with greater clarity, a recognition that was previously elusive.”
In the realm of maritime security, the US and India have found common ground, particularly in safeguarding commercial and shipping interests. Collaborative efforts at sea involve fewer political sensitivities, with both navies increasingly engaging in joint exercises to enhance their navigation skills and tactical communication.
“In the maritime domain, there are fewer diplomatic nuances,” observed Ahuja. “Here, ships can converge, interact, and cooperate without the burden of geopolitical complexities.” The ship repair agreement stands as a testament to the deepening bond between the two nations, expanding its reach to locations such as Kattupalli, where a bustling container port and power plants now grace the lush coastal flats, situated roughly 20 miles from Chennai.
L&T’s cutting-edge shipyard in talk
L&T’s 900-acre shipyard, a remarkable creation from just a decade ago, teems with a workforce of 2,000 individuals, capable of constructing and repairing multiple vessels concurrently. Thanks to a cutting-edge ship lift mechanism, the shipyard accommodates ships weighing up to 20,000 tons, seamlessly transferring them between different areas, whether sheltered or exposed to the elements.
During a recent visit, the shipyard hummed with activity as it birthed substantial patrol boats, while a cluster of commercial tankers gently swayed in the water, awaiting essential repairs.
At Kattupalli and various other locations, India and its defense companies have unequivocally expressed their eagerness to undertake more collaborative work with the United States. This was unmistakably demonstrated when a delegation of US congressional staff members toured a naval shipyard in Kochi last year. They witnessed India’s state-of-the-art aircraft carrier and were presented with the vision of Indian ports as potential repair hubs for warships navigating the Persian Gulf. However, the American delegates also raised a perennial challenge: India’s reliance on Russian military equipment, casting a shadow of complexity over the partnership’s horizon.
