DPG Indo-Pacific Monitor
Indo Pacific Monitor
Authors Commodore Lalit Kapur (Retd.)
Date: December 30, 2023
The Middle East conflict took on a new dimension with Iran-backed Houthi rebels disrupting commercial sea lanes running through the Red Sea, using drones and missiles. Ships carrying cargo to and from India were also targeted, including in the Arabian Sea. In response, major shipping companies re-routed traffic around South Africa. The Pentagon responded by launching the US-led multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian and India was called upon to join, even as some US allies announced their decision to act independently or under NATO command. Sri Lanka joined the Combined Maritime Force in Bahrain.
India deployed three IN ships to counter threats to commercial shipping in the western Indian Ocean.
China continued its coercive assertions in the Second Thomas Shoal, while the US, Japan and Australia continued voicing support for the Philippines. China also convened the Second Indian Ocean Development Cooperation Forum at Kunming. The forum has objectives similar to those of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Heads of government from Kenya, Seychelles and Sri Lanka participated online. North Korea tested an ICBM on December 18. Japan announced relaxation of its rules for arms exports to provide Patriot missiles manufactured under licence to the US.
Five summits involving Indo-Pacific countries indicated continued jockeying for influence in the region during the month: India-Kenya, India–Oman, China-Vietnam, Australia-PNG and Japan-ASEAN.
India maintained its mutually beneficial relationship with Russia, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visiting the country from December 25-29. India also continued its long-distance maritime deployments, with ships showing India’s flag in the Northern Pacific, South China Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and East African ports during the month. The commissioning of stealth destroyer INS Imphal added to the Indian Navy’s strength.
The US Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024 and President Biden signed it into law. The Act allocates $841.7 billion to the Department of Defense, out of a total budget of $886.3 billion. Allocations include of $ 9.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative and a series of actions directed towards constraining China. The Act also authorised the sale of three Virginia class submarines to Australia.
Australia continued strengthening its new forward defence posture, including through decisions taken at the Second AUKUS Defense Ministers’ Meeting and continued measures towards the creation of AUKUS facilities.
These and other developments are covered in this Indo-Pacific Monitor Vol. IV, Issue 12.
India deployed three IN ships to counter threats to commercial shipping in the western Indian Ocean.
China continued its coercive assertions in the Second Thomas Shoal, while the US, Japan and Australia continued voicing support for the Philippines. China also convened the Second Indian Ocean Development Cooperation Forum at Kunming. The forum has objectives similar to those of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Heads of government from Kenya, Seychelles and Sri Lanka participated online. North Korea tested an ICBM on December 18. Japan announced relaxation of its rules for arms exports to provide Patriot missiles manufactured under licence to the US.
Five summits involving Indo-Pacific countries indicated continued jockeying for influence in the region during the month: India-Kenya, India–Oman, China-Vietnam, Australia-PNG and Japan-ASEAN.
India maintained its mutually beneficial relationship with Russia, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visiting the country from December 25-29. India also continued its long-distance maritime deployments, with ships showing India’s flag in the Northern Pacific, South China Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and East African ports during the month. The commissioning of stealth destroyer INS Imphal added to the Indian Navy’s strength.
The US Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024 and President Biden signed it into law. The Act allocates $841.7 billion to the Department of Defense, out of a total budget of $886.3 billion. Allocations include of $ 9.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative and a series of actions directed towards constraining China. The Act also authorised the sale of three Virginia class submarines to Australia.
Australia continued strengthening its new forward defence posture, including through decisions taken at the Second AUKUS Defense Ministers’ Meeting and continued measures towards the creation of AUKUS facilities.
These and other developments are covered in this Indo-Pacific Monitor Vol. IV, Issue 12.
