2 May 2020, NIICE Commentary 4446
Nomita Toppo
Djibouti is a small country strategically located in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, also known as the horn of Africa. The area between Djibouti and Yemen is the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, through which around 4.8 million barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products flow daily. Djibouti continues to hold global importance due to its strategic location and its position as the only maritime entry and exit point for Ethiopia. In addition to this, the country has multiple foreign military bases including France, the United States, Italy, Japan and China.
Due to its geo-strategic location, increasing piracy and terrorism in the region has gradually drawn attention of foreign militaries to Djibouti. With the rise of maritime trade and completion of the Suez Canal in 1989, the European powers tried to build strategic bases along the coasts of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Bab el-Mandeb strait is surrounded by Djibouti, Yemen, Eritrea and Somalia. The lack of stability in these countries and incompetency to secure an international maritime passage has been a major driver of piracy on the coast of Somali, which has been a constant cause of concern for the world powers, who aim at making the region secure. Hence, the leaders of Djibouti have sought to capitalise on the country’s strategic location by renting its land for the establishment of foreign militaries bases.
China’s Increasing Influence
Djibouti is home to international terrorist organization. Its proximity to countries like Somalia and Yemen provides the foreign military forces the ease to take immediate action against the threats pertaining to global security. Countries including the United States, Japan, France and China have established its presence in the region on the pretext of conducting military operations against terrorists and other maritime threats from Djibouti. No doubt, the presence of foreign military forces in Djibouti provides it with monetary benefits. The United States pay an annual remuneration of about USD 70 million for its presence in the region, while China is believed to pay around USD 100 million a year. However, the possible military base of China has raised tensions between the United States and China which may result into a volatile situation in the region.
The commencement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has strengthened China’s position in the African region. With an economic belt running across countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America, BRI includes investments in infrastructure projects in several fields like construction, power, transport, communication, and energy. Amongst others, Africa has become a significant part of this initiative. Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa have shown much enthusiasm. In order to secure Chinese investments as well as improve the technique of peacekeeping operations and “humanitarian efforts in Africa and its regional maritime operations,” China has established its military base in Djibouti. In such a way, China has emerged as a major actor in peacekeeping operations in Africa. This has also benefitted China in building a positive role in the UN Peacekeeping. China has constructively used peacekeeping as a diplomatic instrument intending to project China as a “responsible global power”.
Strategic Significance for India
Relations between Djibouti and India have existed since ancient times. The port of Adulis was a centre of maritime trade for India. As a result of the opening of China’s military base in Djibouti, and increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy has been restructured into seven continuous deployments. Three amongst them operate in the western Indian Ocean – “an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden; a Gulf mission, which patrols the northern Indian Ocean and the entrance to the Gulf; and a mission focused on the Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius and the southern Indian Ocean.” In October 2018, India and Japan got into an agreement over the sharing of military base in Djibouti. This includes Indian access to Japan’s Djibouti facilities. This agreement is of immense strategic value, as it has augmented India’s position as a major power in the area and ease of monitoring Chinese activities in the region.
Indian Naval Ship Trikand, participated in a multilateral training ‘Exercise Cutlass Express- 19’, held from 27 January to 6 February 2019. The main objective was to enhance the efficiency of the law enforcement capacity, promote regional security and improve inter-operability between the armed forces of the participating countries for the purpose of prohibiting illegal maritime activity in the Western Indian Ocean. Apart from organising and participating in exercises, India has also strengthened its ties with the African nations including Djibouti. India has been trying to augment its ties with Djibouti and efforts are being made by the leaders of both countries to strengthen the ties. There have been several bilateral visits between the leaders of both the countries and recently, India awarded Padma Vibhushan to the President of Djibouti Ismail Omer Guelleh, which is the second highest civilian award by the Government of India.
India Securitizing the Indian Ocean
At the time when China is increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean, India needs to strengthen its role as a security provider in the Indian Ocean region with its proficient naval power. It needs to lay effort for maritime cooperation in the region and combat the security challenges arising in the East African region by collaborating with African countries within their framework of maritime security.
In the era of technical advancement, the pirates and terrorists have been using sophisticated and upgraded technologies to carry out their illicit activities. Therefore, maritime security in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of East Africa would require the development of infrastructure, surveillance, and interdiction capabilities. Thus, India with its capacity and experience can play an important role in capability building and assisting the East African nations in developing maritime strategies and policies through the International Maritime Organisation. India could also support the region by applying for observer status in the Djibouti Code alike Japan, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Partnership with the International Maritime Organisation, in lines with the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM). With increasing Indian interest in the region, Indian Heads of Government has intensified their visit to Djibouti and has been providing it development assistance. It clearly indicates India’s desires to maintain better economic and strategic relations with Djibouti. China is increasing its strong presence in the region and it is difficult for India to balance alone, hence, it is looking for collaboration with countries like Japan, Italy, the US and France who already have their permanent base there. To begin with, India has initiated to cooperate with Japan in Djibouti.
