India Aims to Join Malacca Strait Patrols for Maritime Security
India is seeking to join the Malacca Strait Patrols (MSP), emphasizing its strategic position via the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are crucial for monitoring maritime traffic in this vital waterway. The MSP, a collaborative security initiative among Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, aims to enhance maritime security amid rising piracy and geopolitical tensions. India’s inclusion is supported by Singapore but faces resistance from Indonesia, highlighting regional sovereignty concerns. This move aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy to counter China’s naval presence, leveraging its geographic advantages to secure vital sea lanes and enhance its role in regional maritime security.