Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faculty Publications Book Chapter Faculty Publications- Book Chapter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rathore, Shruti; Lal, Judith Anne Title A name given to the resource Strategic Stewardship: Indias Role in Balancing Maritime Power in the Indo-Pacific Region Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01-01-2025 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Emerging Maritime Security Strategies of Global Powers;pp.51-76 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context <a href="https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-4470-6.ch003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-4470-6.ch003</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032968405?origin=resultslist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032968405?origin=resultslist</a> Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rathore S., Christ University, India; Lal J.A., Christ University, India Description An account of the resource This chapter examines Indias Indo- Pacific maritime vision through soft balancing theory, analyzing how New Delhi navigates Chinas regional assertiveness while managing internal capability constraints. Indias approach integrates normative leadership through UNCLOS advocacy and the evolution from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR doctrine with strategic partnerships via the QUAD, bilateral engagements with Japan and Australia, and ASEAN- centric diplomacy. These frameworks collectively demonstrate Indias commitment to a rules- based, free, and open Indo- Pacific order. However, critical gaps exist between ambition and capability: Indias naval modernization faces delays, budgetary constraints limit fleet expansion, and defense-i ndustrial weaknesses persist. The study reveals that while India successfully positions itself as a responsible regional actor and norm-s etter, realizing its Indo- Pacific vision requires bridging this capability gap through increased naval investment, indigenous defense production, and sustained strategic partnerships. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IGI Global Relation A related resource ISBN: 979-833734472-0; 979-833734470-6; Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Book chapter Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource online