US Indo-Pacific strategy and India.

President Trump laid out a vision for the Indo-Pacific during the APEC Summit in Hanoi in 2017. Accordingly, and in line with the US National Security Strategy and the National Defence Strategy documents, his Administration is translating what has been termed as a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) concept into reality. It is based on three pillars viz security, economics and governance. The security pillar has been clearly articulated in the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report (IPSR) which specifies how the National Security and National Defence Strategies would apply to Asia. The 'free and open' aspects of the FOIP have been defined in four specific principles, respect for sovereignty and independence; peaceful resolution of disputes; free, fair and reciprocal trade, and adherence to international rules and norms. The IPSR further lays down three alliterative lines of effort viz preparedness, partnerships and promoting a networked region, that lay down the framework of how this strategy will be eventually operationalised.

Preparedness is defined as achieving peace through strength and employing effective deterrence through a joint force that is well prepared to win any conflict from its onset. US partners and allies will ensure the forward posturing of combat credible forces in the region. The joint force will prioritise investments that ensure lethality against high end adversaries. In practice, the US has already embarked upon massive power projection in the South China Sea and the Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions (I and POR). It is carrying out Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea and Taiwan Straits with some allies/partners including India, too.

Partnership is defined as a unique network of allies and partners which acts as a force multiplier to achieve peace, deterrence and interoperable war fighting capacity. The Quad, is one example where Japan, Australia and India have come together with the US to form a formidable grouping. Some South East Asian states may, at a later stage, join a US-led Coalition, if required. Canada, UK and France are apparently already on board.

Promotion of a networked region is being achieved through strengthening of alliances and partnerships into a networked security architecture to uphold the international rules-based order. The US also supports intra-Asian security relationships capable of deterring aggression, maintaining stability and ensuring free access to common domains...