China’s latest overture to Pakistan’s military signals more than just a routine strengthening of bilateral naval ties. It marks a calculated pivot in Beijing’s Indian Ocean strategy, and India must take serious note of the implications. At the heart of this growing partnership lies China’s enduring interest in securing maritime routes vital to its economic and strategic security. With over 80 per cent of its oil imports passing through the Strait of Malacca, Beijing has long been concerned about potential chokepoints in times of crisis.

The emergence of Pakistan ~ and specifically, the Chinese-funded deepwater port of Gwadar ~ as a possible alternative has been clear for years. But a renewed emphasis on “expanding into new fields of cooperation” between the Chinese and Pakistani navies suggests movement toward more direct strategic alignment, possibly including military logistics, surveillance, or even forward basing. While no official announcements have been made about Chinese........

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