What threat does China's increased military presence in the Indian Ocean pose for India's security? Critically examine. Also, discuss the steps taken by India to counter the threat.
 Structure: 
•        Increasing Chinese military presence in Indian Ocean region
•        The threats due to Chinese presence
•        Steps taken by India
•        Way forward 

The India had the biggest advantage for exerting influence in Indian Ocean region (IOR) due to its geographical location, Economic strength and use of soft power in the neighbouring littoral countries. 
But recently India’s influence in IOR has been challenged to a large extent by increasing Chinese presence. This is evident from the following examples: 
•        The China is creating a string of pearls by establishing various military bases in IOR. Thus, thereby aim to encircle India. For Example- Construction of Gwadar port in Pakistan, Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, Chittagong port in Bangladesh, Kyaukphyu port in Myanmar etc.  
•        The China has started Maritime silk road (MSR) and wants various nations of IOR to join the same. For Example- Maldives recently agreed to be part of MSR.
•        The China has also announced establishment of its first overseas official military base in Djibouti.
•        The Chinese Navy has also increased its presence in IOR, which is evident from Chinese submarine docking at Colombo Airport.
The Chinese presence in IOR poses following threats:  
•        There has been a persistent threat of encirclement and restricting India using string of pearls.
•        The Djibouti base will enable China to base its long-range naval assets there.
•        The China using its presence in IOR may carry out surveillance over the Arabian sea as well as India’s island territories off the western coast.
•        India will also not be able to play on the Chinese Malacca dilemma (China feel threatened that in case of war with India, India may cut the Chinese vital sea supply chain running via Malacca) 
•        On the other hand, there is fear among Indian strategic community that China by using its naval bases in IOR may cut oil supply and put embargo on Indian trade through IOR. (India imports 70% of its oil requirement and 95% of Indian trade by volume is carried out through sea)
•        The increasing Chinese presence in IOR may create a situation where India may have to face Two Front War with China. (One on land and other on sea)
To overcome the above challenges/threats the India has taken following steps: 
•        India is trying to enhance defence capabilities, build and install maritime infrastructure through Sagarmala Project.
•        It has also initiated Project Mausam to revive the ancient maritime routes and cultural linkage with countries of IOR.
•        India is trying to negotiate leasing of Assumption Island in Seychelles and Agalega Island in Mauritius.  
•        India also took a leading role in setting up of Indian Ocean naval Symposium (IONS) and Indian Ocean rim Association for coordination of activities with other countries of IOR. 
The above-mentioned steps are in right direction and they need to be substantiated by coordination with like-minded countries (for example- India signed white shipping agreement with USA).There is also a need for building up the capability of Indian Navy to overcome future challenges due to Chinese presence in IOR.