Asian Defence Review 2025
Geopolitical Shifts and Strategic Partnerships: Multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific

Edited by : Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd) DG, CAPSS and Dr Javed Alam, Research Associate, CAPSS

Geopolitical Shifts and Strategic Partnerships: Multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific explores the implications of geopolitical contestation in the region and the manner in which countries in the region seek to overcome these challenges. Divided into three parts, this book covers the following topics: Geopolitical Dynamics and Recent Developments, Role of Major Powers and Regional Institutions and the Current Security Architecture and Non-Traditional Security Threats in the Region. It provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving strategic partnership between various players. This work is a treasure trove of well-researched analyses by subject experts providing a detailed and strategic roadmap for understanding current trends and future developments in the Indo-Pacific. With a special focus on India’s strategic autonomy, the importance of resilient supply chains, and the need for innovative military capabilities to counter emerging threats and balance China’s influence, the book is a must-read for students of military strategy, policymakers, and practitioners of warfare.

Edited by : Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd) DG, CAPSS and Dr Javed Alam, Research Associate, CAPSS

AVM Anil Golani (Retd) is an avid writer and author. He has written several articles on air power, national security, strategy, and the integration of the Armed Forces. He has co-edited three books and a New Delhi Paper: ‘Air Power and Emerging Technologies’ in 2022, ‘Indian Air Force in its Centennial Decade’ in 2023, ‘Asian Defence Review 2024: Emerging Technologies and Changing Dimensions of Threats for India’ in 2024 and ‘Operation Sindoor-Rewriting the India Pakistan Rulebook.’ He took over as Additional Director General of CAPSS on 07 May 2021 and as Director General of CAPSS on 01 April 2024.

Dr Javed Alam is a Research Associate—Nuclear Vertical at the Centre for Aerospace Power and Studies. Dr Alam did his PhD from the MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University. He also holds an M.Phil (International Studies). He is currently working on a book project titled “Emerging Technologies and Nuclear Deterrence: Challenges and Prospects.” Dr Alam was a Fellow of the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and a Fellow of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation.

Contents

Editor’s Note

Acknowledgements

Editors and Contributors

Abbreviations

Part I: Geopolitical Dynamics and Recent Developments

1. Analysing China as a Threat: Expansionist Behaviour in Indo-Pacific
Sagar Bhardwaj

2. The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on the Indo-Pacific Region: An Indian Perspective
Akash Godbole

3. Taiwan as a Global Commons: Implications for Indo-Pacific Security
Gaurav Sen

Part II: Role of Major Powers and Regional Institutions Amidst Current Security Architecture

4. The Evolving Role of the United States in the Indo-Pacific: India-US Collaboration
Vivek Mishra & Kashvi Chaudhary

5. Emerging Dynamics of India in the Indian Ocean Region: Island Nations as a Case in Point
Radhey Tambi

6. The Evolution and Rise of Minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific
Simran Walia

7. QUAD in the Indo-Pacific: Future Relevance
Abhishek Sharma

8. Exploring the Significance and Importance of AUKUS in the Indo-Pacific
RK Kashyap

9. BIMSTEC in the Indo-Pacific
Bantirani Patro

Part III: Non-Traditional Security Threats in the Region

10. Waves of Displacement: Climate Migration and Regional Stability in the Indo-Pacific
Anandi

11. Understanding the Terrorism Landscape in the Indo-Pacific
Priyadarshini Baruah