Battle for the high seas
Experts caution India on China's Indo-Pacific moves
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 "Satarupa Bhattacharjya")
 "Mohammad Asif Khan")
 "A fighter jet of the Indian Navy is ready to take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier (Photo: Indian Navy)")
A fighter jet of the Indian Navy is ready to take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier (Photo: Indian Navy)
More than two decades ago, analysts coined the geopolitical term “string of pearls” to describe China’s strategy to secure its maritime influence and shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, with longer hopes of building naval bases in the region.The term is old-fashioned. That is because China has since built ports in South Asia — Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka — opened a “logistical-support base” in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, alongside an American military base; despatched military aid to the Pacific island countries of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vanuatu; and is building ports
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Satarupa Bhattacharjya
Satarupa Bhattacharjya is a journalist with 25 years of work experience in India, China and Sri Lanka. She covered politics, government and policy in the past. Now, she writes on defence and geopolitics.
 "Satarupa Bhattacharjya")
Mohammad Asif Khan
Mohammad Asif Khan is a Senior Correspondent at Business Standard, where he covers defence, security, and strategic affairs.
 "Mohammad Asif Khan")
First Published: Oct 07 2025 | 11:31 AM IST
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