Answer:
India-China rivalry extends to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) due to strategic and trade importance.
Key Maritime Issues
China’s “String of Pearls” strategy and port network
Expansion of Chinese naval presence in IOR
Competition over Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
Dual-use port infrastructure in neighbouring countries
Ocean mapping and submarine surveillance activities
Influence competition in littoral states (Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar)
India’s counter strategies (QUAD, SAGAR, naval strengthening)
# Maritime rivalry centres on strategic dominance, sea security and regional influence in the Indo-Pacific.