Sino-Indian competition in the Indian Ocean island countries: the scope for small state agency

Abstract

ABSTRACT Discussion of Sino-Indian competition in the Indian Ocean region has focused on the two major powers, but there is scope to give more attention to the role of the island states. Using a structure-agency approach, this article assesses the agency of four Indian Ocean island states in relation to Sino-Indian competition: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles. In the context of India’s and China’s engagement with the island states, one can analyze the factors that either enhance or detract from the agency of those island states. These states have important economic links with both India and China without being overly dependent on either. India plays the leading security role, but China has also been developing its security links. Political consensus within an island state enhances leverage vis-à-vis the external powers, particularly in Mauritius and Seychelles; Sri Lanka and the Maldives have more conflictual politics, giving rise to greater Sino-Indian competition.