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94 Sri Lanka Navy Journal

ing to preserve a rules-based order and freedom of navigation in the region (U.S.
Department of Defense, 2023). India, as a major South Asian power, holds a sig-
nificant position due to its geographical location and growing economic and mil-
itary capabilities (Jha, 2023). Japan and Australia, important U.S. allies, contrib-
ute to the strategy by leveraging their diplomatic influence and military assets in
the Pacific (Murphy, 2022; Tow & Kersten, 2023). These four nations, combined
influence, and shared interests, form the crux of the IPS.

Overview of IPS

The IPS is a broad framework that aims to foster an Indo-Pacific area
where freedom, openness, and prosperity flourish that is inclusive and respects
the rule of law. The United States is the leading supporter of the strategy because
it has made the Indo-Pacific area at the top of the list of priorities for its foreign
policy (Kupchan, 2021). However, rest of the QUAD member states, have also
embraced the IPS to promote their regional interests and values.

The Indo-Pacific strategy has several key elements. One of the most im-
portant is promoting regional economic integration and connectivity. IPS in-
cludes initiatives like the United States Infrastructure Investment Plan for the
Indo-Pacific and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), both of which India/
Japan have proposed (Ghoshal, 2021). These initiatives aim to improve infra-
structure, trade, and investment links between countries in the region and are
seen as crucial for supporting economic growth and development.

Another critical element of IPS is the promotion of maritime security and
freedom of navigation in the IPR. This is particularly important given the stra-
tegic importance of the region’s waterways, which are vital for trade and com-
merce. The US has conducted a number of Freedom of Navigation Operations
(FONOPS) which have been taken as a threat to China’s territorial claims in the
South China Sea (Huang, 2018). Japan has also promoted maritime security, in-
cluding its partnership with US in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)
(Zhang, 2018).

Brief Overview of South Asian Countries

South Asia, known for its cultural, historical, and geographical diversity, com-
prises eight states including Afghanistan (World Bank, 2023). India, the biggest
in geography and population, plays a significant role in the region due to its
economic influence and political clout (Das, 2022). Similarly, Pakistan and Ban-
gladesh contribute to the region’s significance with their large populations and
strategic locations. Despite their smaller size, countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Bhutan, and the Maldives hold importance due to their unique cultures and stra-
tegic locations. Afghanistan, while geographically considered part of South Asia,