Security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is of vital geo-strategic and geo-economic importance to the world. China is gradually seeking to control the region. Although the United States must act to balance China's actions, it cannot do so alone, and India is its most natural partner in the region. This study analyzes how the United States can influence the rebalancing of power in the region by answering the primary research question, "Given that India represents a counterbalance to China in the IOR, how can the United States reinforce that counterbalance from a military standpoint?" Offering recommendations for this question required an understanding of the United States' strategic intentions in the region and the military situation in the region. A qualitative analysis of China's and India's military capabilities, limitations, and activities examined the military situation. The analysis and results confirmed that the United States should support India to become a more credible military deterrent and expand United States-India defense and security cooperation in the IOR.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)