Page 112 - Naval_Research_Wing_2024_12_17

98 Sri Lanka Navy Journal

access to markets in the US, India, Japan, and Australia and by promoting
infrastructure development through initiatives such as the Blue Dot Net-
work (U.S. Department of State, 2022; Hillman, 2022). Strategically, the
strategy enables Sri Lanka to balance its relations with major powers,
given China’s significant economic presence in the country (Fernando,
2022). It also provides an opportunity for Sri Lanka to boost its mari-
time security capabilities and secure its sea lines of communication, a
crucial aspect given its reliance on maritime trade (Brewster, 2021). Fur-
thermore, the strategy could enhance Sri Lanka’s international standing,
allowing it to engage more effectively with global powers and regional
organizations (Perera, 2023). Therefore, the Indo-Pacific Strategy can
profoundly impact Sri Lanka’s economic, strategic, and diplomatic pros-
pects.
• Need for aligning regional States’ foreign policies to reap maxi-
mum benefits. South Asian countries are uniquely positioned to

benefit significantly from the Indo-Pacific strategy while maintaining
a delicate balance in their foreign policy, not antagonizing major pow-
ers. This requires carefully articulating their national interests with the
broader objectives of the strategy, such as promoting free and fair trade,
enhancing regional connectivity, and fostering sustainable development
(Lohman, 2021). For instance, India, a key South Asian country, has been
working towards strengthening its economic and strategic ties within the
Indo-Pacific region through its ‘Act East’ policy. This policy exemplifies
how South Asian countries can align their foreign policy objectives with
the larger Indo-Pacific strategy while maintaining cordial relationships
with major powers, including China (Jaishankar, 2021). Similarly, small-
er South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can leverage the
strategy to attract foreign investment, enhance their maritime capabili-
ties, and contribute to regional stability (Green, 2021). However, the key
to achieving these goals lies in maintaining strong diplomatic relations
with all major players and ensuring a balanced foreign policy. This ap-
proach will allow South Asian countries to safeguard their interests and
negotiate their position within the Indo-Pacific strategy, contributing
positively to regional development and stability without compromising
their sovereignty or antagonizing major powers (Panda, 2022).

Conclusion

The IPR is a vital economic and strategic arena. The concept of the IPS has
gained prominence as a framework for promoting a free, open, and prosperous
IPR that is inclusive and respects the rule of law. South Asian countries stand to
benefit from the Indo-Pacific strategy in several ways, including increased eco-
nomic integration and connectivity, enhanced maritime security, and greater po-