Indo-Pacific Strategic Construct

The Indo-Pacific views the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean as one connected strategic and economic space. It is not a formal organisation or treaty, but a flexible geopolitical construct shaped by maritime connectivity, shared security challenges, economic flows, rules and power competition. For India, it integrates maritime security, economic connectivity, neighbourhood outreach and wider regional partnerships.

Logic of a connected region

The construct reflects growing interdependence across two oceans rather than treating South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific as separate strategic theatres.

• The Indian and Pacific Oceans are linked by sea lines of communication and chokepoints carrying trade, energy flows and naval movement.
• Southeast Asia forms the geographical connector between the oceans, making ASEAN centrality important to the regional architecture.
• Disruption, naval competition or coercion in one part can affect commerce and security across the wider maritime system.

Strategic purposes

• The framework connects maritime security, trade connectivity, rules-based conduct and the balance of power within one regional perspective.
• It supports freedom of navigation, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under a rules-based order.
• Its flexible character permits cooperation on shared challenges without creating a formal alliance or closed geopolitical bloc.

India's approach and instruments

For India, the Indo-Pacific connects its Indian Ocean interests with the Act East Policy and partnerships extending to East Asia, Australia, Africa and the Pacific.

• India describes the region as free, open, inclusive and rules-based, with ASEAN at its centre.
• Its SAGAR, Security and Growth for All in the Region, vision emphasises cooperative, consultative and inclusive maritime security.
• Operational priorities include maritime domain awareness, protection of sea lines of communication, anti-piracy cooperation, counter-terrorism at sea, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and capacity-building with littoral states.
• India works through the Quad, ASEAN-led forums, IORA and bilateral maritime partnerships while retaining strategic autonomy.