India is set to reinforce its ties in the Indian Ocean, with the visit of National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval to Sri Lanka for a trilateral dialogue which will also include a representative from Maldives.

The meeting will focus on trilateral maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The visit acquires significant geopolitical importance, following China’s attempt to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean. China has already developed a deep-water port in Kyaukphyu in Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. It also runs the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, and has identified the coastal city of the Gwadar in Pakistan as its gateway to the Arabian sea. Besides, China has established a military base in Djibouti on the mouth of the strategic Gulf of Aden.

In the previous round of the trilateral dialogue, Mauritius and the Seychelles had also participated as guests. In a bid to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean, India has identified the Omani port of Duqm as an outpost for defence cooperation. Besides, it has arrived at an understanding with Seychelles, which can help expand the Indian navy’s footprint.

Doval will be hosted by the Sri Lanka’s defence secretary Maj Gen (Retd). Kamal Gunaratne, while Defence Minister Mariya Didi from Maldives.

With China in mind, the US Secretary of state, Mike Pompeo had recently visited Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives to draw the three strategically located nations into Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and counter China’s Maritime Silk Road..