Keywords
Indo-Pacific
Maritime Security
Port infrastructure
Trade
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
South Indian ports Chennai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam are central to India’s maritime strategy, bridging economic aspirations and geopolitical imperatives in the Indian Ocean. This paper explores the strategic and economic significance of these ports within the broader context of India’s Sagarmala Project and Indo-Pacific Vision, highlighting their roles in countering China’s String of Pearls strategy. Despite their potential, these ports face significant challenges, including security vulnerabilities, infrastructure bottlenecks, and environmental risks, which hinder their full operational capacity. The study examines how these ports contribute to trade, employment generation, and defence readiness while addressing key geopolitical challenges. It emphasizes the need for strategic investments in modernization, naval collaborations, and transshipment capabilities to strengthen their role in safeguarding trade routes and asserting India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. By providing actionable policy recommendations, this paper underscores the transformative potential of South Indian ports in enhancing India’s maritime dominance and economic growth.
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