Can China and India Give Small Indian Ocean Region Nations What They Really Need?

Introduction

The recent election of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has injected new impetus into India and China’s focus on the Indian Ocean states. However, the real challenge for major powers will be dealing with exigencies, such as rising sea levels, that go beyond hard security issues.

The Indian Ocean region is home to some of the world’s smallest and most vulnerable countries. These countries are often at the mercy of larger powers, such as India and China, which have competing interests in the region.

India has traditionally seen the Indian Ocean as its backyard. In recent years, however, China has become increasingly assertive in the region, investing in ports and infrastructure projects and conducting military exercises.

The election of Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, has raised concerns about China’s growing influence in the Maldives. India has responded by stepping up its engagement with the Maldives, offering financial assistance and military cooperation.

However, the real challenge for both India and China is to help the Maldives and other Indian Ocean countries deal with the existential threats posed by climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification are all having a devastating impact on the region.

To effectively address these challenges, India and China will need to work together. They will need to put aside their strategic rivalry and focus on the common good.

India and China have the resources and expertise to help the Maldives and other Indian Ocean countries adapt to climate change. They can provide financial assistance, technical expertise, and disaster relief.

But they can also do more. They can use their diplomatic clout to push for a global agreement on climate change. They can also work to develop new technologies that can help island nations cope with the effects of climate change.

The Indian Ocean is a vital region, and its future is at stake. India and China have a responsibility to help the small island nations in the region deal with the challenges they face. By working together, they can make a real difference in the lives of millions of people.

The following are some of the specific things that India and China can do to help the Maldives and other Indian Ocean countries deal with climate change:

I. Provide financial assistance to help countries adapt to climate change, such as building seawalls and developing drought-resistant crops.

II. Share technical expertise on climate change, such as how to build early warning systems for extreme weather events.

III. Provide disaster relief after climate-related disasters, such as typhoons and floods.

Push for a global agreement on climate change that is ambitious and effective.

Develop new technologies that can help island nations cope with the effects of climate change, such as desalination plants and renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

By taking these concrete steps, India and China can demonstrably showcase their commitment to supporting the Maldives and other Indian Ocean nations in navigating the complex challenges of climate change. This collaborative approach, extending beyond traditional hard security concerns, can pave the way for a more secure, prosperous, and resilient future for the entire region. Such a future would be characterized by thriving island communities, robust ecosystems, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. In essence, India and China have the unique opportunity to act as responsible stewards of the Indian Ocean, fostering a future where island nations can not only survive but thrive in the face of a changing climate.