This post explains “What is US Indo Pacific Policy?” “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy FOIP”. “Objectives of FOIP and India’s role in US Free and Open Indo-Pacific Policy. What is US Indo Pacific Policy?“.

Understanding the US Indo-Pacific Policy

Overview

On 30 July 2018, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo outlined the Trump Administration’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) Strategy during a speech at the US Chamber of Commerce. The strategy reflects Washington’s long-standing goal of maintaining influence in Asia, the Indian Ocean, and surrounding regions—particularly in response to China’s growing economic and political power.

US Strategic Tilt Towards India

Previously, the United States sought to counterbalance China through agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but later withdrew from the deal before it was ratified. The US also strengthened ties with India, beginning in 2005 when President George W. Bush recognized India as a nuclear power. Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded, and India is now seen as a central partner in the FOIP Strategy.

What is the FOIP Strategy?

According to Alex Wong, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the FOIP Strategy is built on two core principles:

Open – Keeping sea lanes and air routes unobstructed, while promoting regional integration, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Free – Ensuring countries in the Indo-Pacific can make their own political, economic, and social decisions without external coercion.

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The strategy also aims to encourage open trade and fair investment opportunities. While the US has supported similar initiatives for decades, FOIP differs in its expanded focus on South Asia and India’s strategic role.

How FOIP Differs from Past US Policies?

Two key distinctions set FOIP apart from earlier US approaches to the Asia-Pacific:

Elevated Role for India – Positioning India as a key partner in influencing the region’s political and economic landscape.

Inclusion of South Asia – Recognizing India’s importance in shaping the Pacific, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Implications Of US Indo Pacific Policy

US Concerns About China

The 2017 US National Security Strategy described the Indo-Pacific as a battleground between a “free” and a “repressive” world order. It accused China of using economic incentives, penalties, and implied military threats to pressure other states into aligning with its political and security goals.

What are the Objectives of FOIP Strategy?

While officially framed as a plan to promote peace and prosperity, analysts suggest FOIP also serves strategic purposes:

• Countering China – Viewing China’s rise as a threat to regional security and no longer treating it solely as a competitor or potential partner.
• Balancing Regional Power – Strengthening India’s role to prevent dominance by non-democratic powers such as China and Russia.
• Enhancing US Military Presence – Expanding defense infrastructure and capabilities in the region as a counterweight to China.

India’s Role in FOIP

India has shown interest in being a central player in FOIP, seeing it as a chance to modernize its military and boost economic growth through greater access to US and Western markets.

In September 2018, a “Two plus Two” (2+2) dialogue was held in New Delhi, where Pompeo and US Defense Secretary James Mattis met with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Pompeo emphasized that India and the US share a “natural starting point” for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Key Global Considerations

As noted by analyst Prashanth Parameswaran, three major questions surround FOIP:

• The evolving role of Southeast Asia and ASEAN member states.
• The true strategic objectives behind the initiative.
• How effectively it can be implemented.

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