Answer: String of Pearls refers to the strategic encirclement of India by China in the IOR. The encirclement is in the form of port presence & military bases. This move of China is rooted in “The Malacca Dilemma” of China.

The Malacca Dilemma is a notion of China whereby it feels that India (& other major militaries) can block China’s trade from the Strait of Malacca. Hence China should be in a position to block the trade of India (and other countries). Therefore, the encirclement.

China has positioned itself in Gwadar (Pakistan), Marao (Maldives), Hambantota (SL), Chittagong (Bangladesh) & Kyaukpyu (Myanmar) to encircle India.

India has positioned itself in Chabahar (Iran), Male (Maldives), Colombo & Trincomalee (SL), Chattogram & Mongla (Bangladesh) & Sittwe (Myanmar) to counter China’s String of Pearls. This strategic positioning of India is loosely referred to as Necklace of Diamond.

India should look to expand its influence not only on the neighbouring countries but also on the near neighbourhood, since China is not going to stop.