What’s the effect on commercial shipping by a potential Indian Ocean militarization?

The Indian Ocean is witnessing accelerated militarization driven by India-China strategic competition, with significant ramifications for global shipping operations.

India’s recent satellite station agreement with Mauritius represents a calculated counter to China’s expanding maritime influence through its “String of Pearls” strategy.

India’s establishment of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in the Chagos archipelago directly challenges China’s dual-use port infrastructure across the Indian Ocean.