The project aimed to undertake a net assessment of Chinese ports in the IOR, mapped plausible alternate geopolitical scenarios and recommend policy options and strategic responses for India to accrue a favourable strategic balance in the IOR. The project's scope included an analysis of China’s strategic interests and BRI and MSR in the IOR; India’s role, capacity enhancement initiatives and strategic posturing; and identifying the role of other significant stakeholders. A SWOT analysis was carried out to identify pre-determined elements, asymmetries and competing edges. Finally, policy recommendations were provided for India.