| Abstract: | The Indo-Pacific is the main geopolitical stage of the twenty first century, and it is characterised by unstable power balance and the escalating conflict interchange, especially with the rising economic velocities of China and the associated military modernisation. This current essay questions Indian status in the area with regard to intersection of ancient civilizational linkage and contemporary strategic realignment. In the past, the culture and maritime activities of India in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean create a robust foundation of sustainability of regional connectivity. Modern usage at India, the Indo-Pacific concept represents continuity as well as adaptation, revolving around both traditional portfolios of soft-power and visionary strategic requirements. The Act East Policy, the Strategic Approach to Growth through Regional (SAGAR) approach, and being an active member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) are only some displays of an organized effort of promoting a liberal, open, and inclusive regional order. It is argued that Indian stance is neither confrontational nor passive, but aimed to maintain the balance and protect the strategic independence and promote the regional stability. The analysis of the rise of India as a key balancing power in the Indo-pacific, by placing India in the context of more generalizing institutional approaches to international relations, i.e. realism as well as liberal institutionalism. |
