Here the soldiers are adamant on the border, there warships have landed in the sea... 'The Great Game' is going on between India and China in IOR

The Great Game India vs China: A kind of 'Great Game' is going on between India and China to gain wider strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India China News: There was a 'Great Game' that was once played between the British and Russian empires. Because of the 'Great Game' of the 19th century, the map of Central and South Asia changed repeatedly. After almost two centuries, another 'Great Game' is being played in Asia. This time the players are India and China. The armies of both countries have been stuck on the land border for the last four years. A game of this new 'Great Game' is also being played in the Indian Ocean Region (IRO). Both India and China want strategic dominance in the IOR.

Growing presence in the Indian Ocean

On Monday, India's frontline warship and guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai anchored in Colombo, Sri Lanka. On the same day, three Chinese warships were also docked in the waves nearby. The Indian Navy has been keeping an eye on these three ever since they entered the IOR. The Times of India has published a report quoting an Indian security official that Chinese warships now stay in the IOR for longer periods than before.

The growing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean region has posed a challenge for New Delhi. Beijing is constantly looking for logistical bases in the IOR. The Indian Navy faces a dual challenge. It has to stop China in the IOR and also face Pakistan.

INS Mumbai and the Chinese warships are going to take part in separate 'passage exercises'. It is perhaps a coincidence that the departure of all the four warships will be on the same day, 29 August.

All eyes are on Sri Lanka's next president

Having already lost Maldives, India would not want Sri Lanka to dance to China's tunes. Earlier too, when Sri Lanka allowed Chinese warships, spy ships, and submarines to anchor on its shores, India had lodged a strong protest. Amidst this strategic tussle going on in South Asia, all eyes are now on the presidential election to be held in Sri Lanka on 21 September. From India's point of view, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is a much better option. His opponent is Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People's Power, who is considered pro-China.

China has the world's largest navy. It has more than 360 warships and submarines. The Dragon has steadily strengthened its foothold in the IOR. Its survey and research 'spy' ships are almost always present in the region. China is also helping the Pakistan Navy. Beijing has provided four Type 054A/P multi-role frigates to Islamabad. A deal for eight Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines is also in the pipeline.