Chinese plans in Seychelles revive Indian fears of encirclement

Idea that Beijing is seeking to establish a 'string of pearls' in Indian Ocean has been dismissed – for now

When China recently confirmed that Seychelles would be used as a refuelling port for its navy, it revived popular fears in India of becoming encircled in the Indian Ocean by its larger Asian neighbour.

"Chinese military base in Indian Ocean?" ran the headline of a report in the Times of India, which concluded that "the base could be of vital importance for China as it is about to launch its first aircraft carrier".

But others pointed out that Chinese naval ships engaged in anti-piracy operations off the African coast needed a resupply and recuperating port in the region, especially since they had stopped using Karachi due to the dangerous security situation in Pakistan.

"India is a dominant force in the Indian Ocean, and does not feel threatened at all by China," said Mohan Guruswamy, a strategic affairs expert at Delhi's Centre for Policy Alternatives.

"China is not stupid to attempt to encircle India by setting up naval bases thousands of miles away from home, and within easy striking distance of India's powerful air force," he said. Read More