Chinese base in Indian Ocean threat to peace: Ajit Kumar Doval, National Security Adviser

NEW DELHI: Pointing out that China’s rise will impact the globe and the region including India, National Security Adviser Ajit Kumar Doval has suggested that the change in the world order should be internationally approved and indicated that building military bases by China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will be detrimental to peace in the area.

“Global expansion of China is a reality, which is manifesting itself as a powerful economy, having powerful military and rising defence budget. Emergence of China in a dramatic fashion is a reality. It is true that things will be affected globally with whatever China does. The region will be affected. India will also be impacted. We just feel that the change in the order should be internationally approved,” noted Doval while addressing a threeday international conference – ‘The Growth Net’.

This was first and free frank remarks from Doval, since he took over as NSA last year, on the phenomenal rise of China and the alarm bells that it has sent ringing in various parts of the world particularly in the region neighbouring India. Doval just completed 18th round of Special Representative level boundary talks with China here this Monday – the first such talks under the Modi government.

Replying to a question on Chinese maritime initiatives primarily Maritime Silk Route strategy in the IOR, Doval hoped that building up military bases do not lead to rivalry in the region. “In 1971 IOR was declared as a zone of peace at the UN. India has interests in keeping IOR peaceful. We do hope that there is freedom of navigation in the maritime lanes,” suggested Doval indicating India’s reservations on the China’s ambitions in the region considered as India’s extended neighbourhood.