US Strategy Expands Beyond Hormuz: Is Malacca Strait Next? What It Means For India

Washington: With increasing tension over the Strait of Hormuz in West Asia, America now seems to be eyeing another important sea route of the world. There are reports that America is taking steps towards strengthening its hold on the Malacca Strait. This route is considered one of the busiest trade routes in the world.

What is America's new strategy?

Recently, an important defense cooperation agreement has been signed between America and Indonesia, which has been named 'Major Defense Cooperation Partnership'. After this agreement, American military aircraft can get more easy access to Indonesian airspace.

Washington is demanding from Indonesia 'blanket overflight access' i.e. permission to fly military aircraft without taking repeated permission. If this happens, it will be easier for America to keep an eye on the Malacca Strait and increase its presence.

Why is the Strait of Malacca so important?

The Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean to East Asia. Millions of barrels of oil, industrial goods and commercial goods pass through here every year. A large part of the world passes through this route. If there is any pressure or control on this, then the global supply chain can be directly affected. This route is located between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia and is called 'Choke Point'.

Why is this a matter of concern for China?

A large part of China's energy needs come through this Malacca Strait. About 80 percent of its oil and trade depends on this route. If there is any problem here or America's presence increases, then China's economy can be directly affected. This is the reason why China considers it as its ‘weakness’ or ‘Malacca Dilemma’. China became even more cautious after the tension in Hormuz

What benefit can India get from this?

India's geographical position is strong here. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie right at the mouth of the Strait of Malacca and hold immense strategic importance for monitoring the region. If America becomes more active in this area then security cooperation with India can increase.

India is already strengthening the Andaman-Nicobar Command and there is scope for increased cooperation with the US in maritime security, intelligence sharing and joint exercises. This can strengthen both India's maritime power and regional influence.

Did the situation in Hormuz change strategy?

The ongoing tension and blockade in the Strait of Hormuz proved that the closure of a sea route can shake the entire world economy. Seeing rising oil prices and affected supply – America is now thinking of securing other important routes as well. Malacca Strait seems to be a part of this larger strategy.

What are the signs ahead?

It is not yet clear what further steps America will take, but its new thinking regarding global sea routes is clearly visible. The agreement with Indonesia could be just the beginning.

India's role may be more important here than before. It remains to be seen in the coming times whether this cooperation will be limited to security only or will extend to trade and diplomacy as well. Overall, taking the lessons of Hormuz, big countries are now focusing on other choke points and this may affect the entire power balance of the Indo-Pacific region.