"Respectful Response". India Changes Its Approach to Security Partnership in the Region

Humanitarian Aid Instead of Demonstrating Power

At the end of December, India announced a $450 million aid package for the reconstruction of Sri Lanka, which was affected by Cyclone "Dithwa" that struck the country in late 2025. In response to the disaster, the Indian Navy intensified humanitarian operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Indian warships, Vikrant and Udaygiri, which were in Colombo for the International Fleet Review, were promptly deployed to provide assistance. Shipborne helicopters conducted aerial reconnaissance and supported search and rescue operations. The Sukanya vessel was also dispatched with essential humanitarian cargo.

Operation Sagar Bandhu demonstrates India's new approach to engagement in the region — instead of imposing its power, it prefers to be a "respectful partner".

Transforming the Image: From "Security Provider" to "Partner of Choice"

India has long been regarded as a "pure security provider," a term first used by American officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2009 to describe the country's growing role in the Indian Ocean. While this status highlighted India's increasing capabilities, it also raised concerns, creating an image of an "elder brother," which did not always sit well with its neighbors.

Regional countries, such as Pakistan, expressed worries about Indian hegemony, while the "India Out" campaign in the Maldives and Bangladesh's cautious stance indicated dissatisfaction with India's prospects as a self-proclaimed "policeman".

In 2020, India changed its strategy, shifting to the concept of a "preferred security partner." As then Indian Foreign Minister Nirupama Rao noted in 2010, the country cannot tackle regional security challenges alone. It is important not only whether India should play this role but also how it will be implemented.

The answer to this question is increasingly evident in operations like Sagar Bandhu, which embody a model of "respectful response".

Three Key Principles of "Respectful Response"

The first principle is the absence of unsolicited intervention.India provides assistance only at the request of the affected country. Given its colonial experience, New Delhi is particularly sensitive to sovereignty issues in a region where memories of external intervention are fresh. For instance, after the 2004 tsunami, aid was provided only after official requests. Similarly, support for Sri Lanka after Cyclone "Dithwa" was carried out at the request of Colombo.

The second principle is the absence of political conditions.Unlike aid tied to political demands, Indian humanitarian assistance remains apolitical. In 2020, when India sent medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Maldives under Operation Sagar, despite the "India Out" campaign, the aid was provided without any conditions, contrasting with China's "vaccine diplomacy".

The third principle is prioritizing the authority of the recipient state.Indian military forces do not create parallel command structures and operate within national authorities. While this approach may slow down the process, it fosters trust. In Sri Lanka, the distribution of humanitarian aid occurred in coordination with local authorities, shaping India's image as a partner rather than a force usurping control.

Balancing Ambitions and Capabilities

This approach allows India to navigate the internal contradictions of its regional role. On one hand, the country's geographical position, the presence of two aircraft carriers, and the enhancement of naval capabilities make India a clear regional power. Approximately 80% of its trade and 90% of energy resources pass through the Indian Ocean, making maritime security critically important.

On the other hand, India faces threats from China and Pakistan, budget constraints, and the consequences of dependence on arms imports. Although its fleet of 130 ships is significant, it still does not meet the estimated need of 200 units for a sustainable presence in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

The "respectful response" model allows India to align its ambitions with real capabilities. Instead of claiming comprehensive security, India seeks to be the partner that neighbors turn to first. This preference must be continually earned — through reliability, non-interference, and genuine partnerships.

Competition with China and Limited Resources

Nonetheless, challenges remain. China's presence in the Indian Ocean, including its base in Djibouti and submarines in Colombo and Karachi, as well as the "Belt and Road Initiative," provide small states with alternatives for balancing. Beijing's deeper financial resources allow it to win the competition for infrastructure projects. China's willingness to sell arms, which account for 63% of Pakistan's defense imports and 71% of Bangladesh's, also attracts governments that are cautious about Western conditions and Indian dominance.

While India cannot compete with China in terms of spending, it has other advantages — geographical proximity that allows for rapid response, cultural and historical ties that reduce the level of threat, and, most importantly, the absence of hegemonic ambitions. These principles align with the Constitution of India, which states in Article 51 that it should promote international peace and just relations among nations.

What Lies Ahead?

As the operation to mitigate the effects of Cyclone "Dithwa" concludes, the main question is not whether India can fulfill the role of a "security provider" — it is clear that comprehensive security exceeds its capabilities. The key question is whether it can consistently remain the partner that regional states turn to first, confident that assistance will be swift, respectful, and without political conditions.

Examples like Sagar Bandhu suggest that India is increasingly becoming such a partner. However, maintaining this status requires ongoing investments — not only in technology and capabilities but also in trust.

The future architecture of Indian Ocean security will not be characterized by either India's unipolar dominance or the displacement of its influence by China. It will be multipolar, where small states choose partners based on reliability and respect for sovereignty. Geography and capabilities provide advantages, but it is the respectful response that transforms them into the main capital — preference.