Double Fish Hook Strategy

For any competitive exams, foreign relations tactics and concepts are crucial. They can be specifically asked about in the prelims examination, and having a thorough understanding of them also aids in crafting well-rounded responses in the main exam as well.

Here, we will explain to you all you need to know about the 'Double Fish Hook Strategy'.

Double Fish Hook Strategy - Overview

In the previous few days, India's 'Double Fish Hook Strategy' has been widely discussed. The method for catching fish with hooks, the same way, India has devised a plan. India has two hooks in its strategy. As a result, the tactic is known as the "Double Fish Hook Strategy". India's Double Fish Hook Strategy features two hooks:

• An eastern fish hook component and
• A western fish hook component.

Eastern Fish Hook component- The Eastern Fish Hook component includes island territories from the Andaman-Nicobar Islands to Diego Garcia.

Western Fish Hook Component- The Western Fish Hook component encompasses island territories from Duqm to Diego Garcia. As a result, Diego Garcia, both components constitute the final point.

Eastern Fish Hook Component

Eastern Fish Hook components encompass India's Andaman-Nicobar Islands, Indonesia's Sabang Port, Australia's Cocoa or Keeling Port, and Diego Garcia.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been constructed by India for defence and other uses. India has developed a reputation as having a strategic transit point due to its location. It is also known for housing a number of military bases and deep-sea harbours. These all contribute to it being an excellent location for groups like the quad (India, US, Japan, and Australia) to operate from.

Western Fish Hook Component

• The port of Oman's Duqm serves as the tipping point for the western fish hook Part. India has committed to developing it by signing a Maritime Transport Treaty.
• The Indian Ocean Commission member countries, Diego Garcia, the Dukam Oman, and Reunion Island- are all included in the Western Fish Hook component.
• In the Indian Ocean Commission, India was granted observer status in 2020.
• The Reunion Islands were recently monitored by France and India in a cooperative operation.
• India is also contemplating the 'Horn of Africa' in Djibouti as part of the Western Fish Hook part to build material support.

Double Fish Hook Strategy - Agreements

The agreements stated below serve as India's "Double Fish Hook" strategy.

• India began collaborating with the powerful fleets of the United States, France, and Australia to fight Chinese aspirations in the Indian Ocean.
• The LEMOA- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement between India and the United States was signed in August 2016, allowing both countries access to military facilities and naval ports.
• In June 2020, India and Australia signed a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement to provide aid for maritime reconnaissance operations carried out by the two governments using one other's island facilities.
• Aside from the above two agreements, India and Indonesia also inked a Port Development Program in which they committed to creating civilian and military installations in Indonesia's Sabang Port.

Double Fish Hook Strategy Goal

Its counter-China policy. India's 'Double Fish Hook Strategy', along with the 'Necklace of Diamonds' approach, is a marine strategy to fight China's'string of pearls' strategy. This effort includes island states and eastern Indian Ocean neighbours, including Australia, Indonesia, and others to fight China's efforts in the Indian Ocean region.

What is the String of Pearls' Strategy for China?

China's 'String of Pearls' policy includes forming a circle around India, including amenities at Karachi, Gwadar port in Pakistan, Chittagong (Bangladesh), as well as Colombo, and Hambantota (Sri Lanka).

The 'String of Pearls' plan consists of a network of Chinese commercial and military installations and partnerships that stretch from mainland of China to Sudan Port.

Necklace of Diamonds Strategy

India has begun work on a 'Necklace of Diamonds' plan in response to China's 'String of Pearls' approach. This plan attempts to surround China or, to put it another way, to garland China. To counter China's objectives, India is extending its navy ships and building relations with strategically located countries.

The "Double Fish Hook Strategy" would serve to undercut China's "String of Pearls" strategy and grant India a maritime advantage.

FAQs on Double Fish Hook Strategy

Q1. With regards to the Double Fish Hook Strategy, what exactly is the 'String of Pearls' strategic plan?

With regard to the Double Fish Hook Strategy, The Chinese chain of economic and military installations and partnerships along its maritime lines is referred to as the String of Pearls. China has used this technique to preserve its commercial interests.

Q2. Which country is the Double Fish Hook Strategy inspired by?

The Double Fish Hook Strategy is a speculated maritime strategy that India adopts to counter the String of Pearls strategy by China.

Q3. What is the Double Fish Hook Strategy?

The Double Fish Hook Strategy is a speculative marine strategy that India uses to oppose China's String of Pearls strategy.

Q4. What are the beginning and ending positions of the Double Fish Hook Strategy?

The beginning and ending positions of the Double Fish Hook Strategy are the first hooks that began in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and extended to Diego Garcia. The second hook extends from Duqm Port in Oman to Diego Garcia once again.