Abstract
China’s assertive rise and India’s ambition of transforming into a major player have been instrumental in shaping the dynamism of Southern Asian geopolitics, which has tied the two countries in a competitive grid. The article reviews the security cooperation between China and Pakistan and compares it to the Indo-Vietnam security equation. China’s forays in the Indian Ocean Region, belligerence in the South China Sea, developments in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the “string of pearls” have attracted India’s attention. Besides, experts for a long time have regarded the Sino-Pakistan military partnership as a threat to Indian security. In light of this, India has been strengthening its relations with Southeast Asian countries and Indo-Vietnam relations remain an important area of focus. Dwelling on the nuances of Indo-Vietnam relations, the article examines the security cooperation between India and Vietnam vis-à-vis China–Pakistan relations. Finally, the article deliberates on the possibility of Indo-Vietnam relations acting as a counter to the Sino-Pakistan partnership.
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