India, Jan. 11 -- The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the defining strategic arena of the 21st century. Stretching from the eastern coast of Africa to the Pacific islands, this vast expanse is home to the world's most dynamic economies, critical sea lanes, and intensifying geopolitical contestation. India's geography confers both opportunity and responsibility. With a coastline of over 11,000 kilometres and island territories that overlook vital shipping routes, India sits at the heart of the Indian Ocean. Nearly 95% of India's trade by volume including crude oil, coal, electronics, and agricultural products moves by sea, traversing these waters.

The broader global context only heightens the stakes. The global balance of power is shifting ea...