The Indian Ocean Great Game Unfolding Interests Determinants and PerspectivesThe Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become a theatre of competition among Asian powers and the US. This is mainly due to the rise of China as an Asian power over the last two decades. The region is a fulcrum for security and economic activity in the Eastern hemisphere of the world. It is one of the most important maritime routes connecting four continents. These routes are pivotal for the worldwide supply of energy and commercial activities. Hence, the ability to influence and dominate the region gives any nation a supreme advantage to control global trade and protect its security interests.

It is in this emerging competitive scenario that brought the Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S); the Institute of Transnational Studies (Germany); the National Maritime Foundation-Tamil Nadu (NMF-TN) and the Department of Politics and Public Administration – University of Madras together to conduct a joint conference themed The Indian Ocean Great Game Unfolding: Interests, Determinants and Perspectives.

Scholars from diverse backgrounds, which include experts from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard; academicians; merchant navy; and researchers from reputed think tanks have contributed to this edition. Each chapter is a highly valuable addition to the existing knowledge about a global issue. It throws light on policies adopted by various countries, especially China and India, to safeguard their security and commercial interests in the IOR and provides a greater understanding of the complex power dynamics. The reader is guaranteed to advance their insight on the game of Chess which is spanning out in the IOR.