THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIA – U.S. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: ENHANCING MARITIME SECURITY COOPERATION AS BALANCING ACT TO CHINA (2010-2020)

Abstract

global powers that have the potential to change the Status Quo in international politics. The emergence of China as a new power and increasing its ability to achieve its ambition as a dominant country is considered by India as a threat that has disrupted the security and stability in the Indian Ocean region. The projection of China’s naval power and its increasing influence through the Belt Road Initiative policy prompted India to restructure its strategy to resist China’s power. In responding to this problem, one of the Indian efforts is to increase cooperation with the United States, especially in the field of maritime security. This thesis discusses India’s motives for conducting security cooperation with the United States in the maritime domain by using the theory of Neo-realism and Balance of Threat and Maritime Security Cooperation concept. This thesis will use qualitative methods that are descriptive and explanative through data collection. This thesis concludes that India’s urgency to increase cooperation with the United States is India response to potential threats that coming from China and as a form of balancing efforts against China’s power.