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Despite speculation to the contrary, India is far from losing strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region. Its security cooperation and relations with states like Sri Lanka, Maldives and Seychelles remain strong, maintains Nilanthi Samaranayake, an analyst in the Strategic Studies division at CNA, a research institute in Alexandria, Virginia. The recent cancellation of an Indian airport contract in Maldives is not of great significance in the context of longstanding ethnic and historical regional ties, India’s rising naval power, and its steady role in maritime surveillance and assistance. India cannot fund all infrastructure projects throughout the region, much of which is underdeveloped, and fully expects small nations with limited resources to accept Chinese investment funds. “Still, New Delhi should not take for granted its dominant position in the Indian Ocean,” Samaranayake advises. The best partnerships among countries are consistent, seeking the best long-term interests for the region as a whole. – YaleGlobalto read the article click the link: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/india-still-center-indian-oceansource: Yaleglobal.yale.edu