Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Indonesia. He signed several major agreements with the Indonesian government in the capital, Jakarta. In addition to the BrahMos and Astra missiles, several agreements were reached related to EVMs, defense, rare minerals, and maritime infrastructure. India and Indonesia have jointly decided on a development plan for the strategically important Sabang Port near the Strait of Malacca. Both countries will jointly develop this important port. Do you understand how important Sabang Port is? How it will enhance India’s influence in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean?
Sabang is a small port located on the northernmost tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This port, seemingly quiet and simple, has the potential to bring China to its knees. Its connection to the Strait of Malacca makes it a very powerful port. China’s entire lifeline depends on the narrow sea route of the Strait of Malacca, hence the name “Malacca Dilemma.”
Sabang Port is the entry point to the Strait of Malacca, which India is developing in collaboration with Indonesia. It is just 100 miles from India’s Great Nicobar Port project. This port holds immense strategic importance for India. India’s presence in Sabang Port means increased dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. By developing Sabang, India will be able to facilitate and effectively access the Strait of Malacca.
The Strait of Malacca is the sea route between Indonesia and Malaysia. It is considered one of the world’s most important and busiest routes. A large portion of global trade passes through this route. India’s presence in Sabang Port will strengthen India’s access between the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. With this port, India can strengthen trade with Southeast Asian countries. The Malacca Strait is a major maritime trade corridor chokepoint. India’s presence at Sabang Port is likely to be a source of concern for China. China imports 85% of its energy needs through the Strait of Malacca. If China were to act aggressively against India in Ladakh or the Indian Ocean, India could disrupt China’s lifeline through the Strait of Malacca, just as Iran brought the entire world and the United States to their knees by closing the Strait of Hormuz. India could disrupt China’s imports by blocking the Malacca Strait through Sabang Port. Just as China flaunts its presence at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, India will now be able to monitor China’s every move in the Indian Ocean. Not only China’s imports, but a significant portion of its exports also pass through this route. Therefore, if India were to block the Malacca Strait, China would be left gasping for breath. Its entire economy would collapse, bringing it to its knees.