A Revitalized US Indian Ocean Strategy Cannot Ignore Africa

Why It Matters

Without integrating Africa, U.S. and allied efforts risk ceding strategic maritime corridors and resource access to China, threatening regional balance and economic interests.

Key Takeaways

• China’s Djibouti base extends reach across Indian Ocean
• US strategy omits Africa despite security implications
• India could counter China with coastal bases in Africa
• Joint US‑India effort can secure resources and trade routes
• Quad and AUKUS focus east, neglect western Indian Ocean

Pulse Analysis

China’s rapid militarization of the western Indian Ocean—anchored by its permanent base in Djibouti and growing port deals in Mauritius and Cambodia—has reshaped the strategic calculus for Washington. While the U.S. renamed Pacific Command to Indo‑Pacific Command in 2018 and has since championed the Quad and AUKUS, these frameworks remain east‑centric, concentrating on the South China Sea and Taiwan. This narrow focus overlooks the fact that the same naval logistics hub in Djibouti enables the People’s Liberation Army Navy to project power from the Red Sea to the Bay of Bengal, threatening freedom of navigation across the entire basin.

African littoral states are now pivotal nodes in the contest for maritime dominance and mineral wealth. The U.S. National Defense Strategy mentions China extensively but barely references India or Africa, relegating the continent to counter‑terrorism footnotes. Meanwhile, India’s recent commissioning of the INS Jatayu and its diplomatic clout present an opportunity to fill the vacuum. By establishing naval facilities in strategic ports such as Zanzibar, Mombasa, or northern Madagascar, India can create a counter‑balance to Chinese footholds, protect sea lanes, and open pathways for Indian investment in African economies, especially in resource‑rich regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique’s gas‑rich Cabo Delgado.

A coordinated U.S.–India approach could transform the Indo‑Pacific narrative into a truly Indo‑African security architecture. The United States could concentrate on interior security and broader regional stability, while India leverages its maritime capabilities to secure coastal African partners. This division of labor would not only raise the operational costs for Beijing but also foster interoperability between the two democracies, enhancing joint training, intelligence sharing, and logistical support. Ultimately, integrating Africa into the Indo‑Pacific strategy safeguards trade routes, diversifies supply chains, and reinforces the liberal order against an increasingly assertive China.