China is a relatively larger threat to India than Pakistan is. "Relative" is the key.
I won't argue with this assessment:
For decades, South Asia's security logic has been grounded on land: the Line of Control in Kashmir, disputed borders, and crises that almost invariably began on land. Recent developments in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, however, suggest that the true center of gravity in the regional balance of power is gradually shifting toward the maritime domain.
Yes. This has been increasingly true since India moved from seeing Pakistan as its main potential enemy to seeing China as its main potential enemy. Now, the Indian Ocean is where India has the best balance of power compared to China.
India is already building a screen at its Andaman and Nicobar island chain. But Chinese nuclear subs have other paths to reach Indian home waters. Holding the line east of the Malacca Strait line will reduce China's ability to exploit their capability to rain down anti-ship ballistic missiles on Indian ports and home waters.
Not that Pakistan isn't still a land threat, of course. Backed by nukes.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
NOTE: You may also like to read my posts on Substack, at The Dignified Rant: Evolved. Go ahead and subscribe to it. It's the right thing to do!
