India Gains Singapore's Support for Patrolling the Malacca Strait
On September 4, India and Singapore reached a strategic agreement to conduct joint patrolling in the Malacca Strait. India is also in talks with Malaysia and Indonesia for surveillance cooperation in the same region. The Malacca Strait is considered China's weakest maritime link — a chokepoint that, if blocked, could bring China's trade to its knees within a week.
India and Singapore's Strategic Move
India and Singapore have decided to jointly patrol the Malacca Strait — a vital sea lane through which China conducts most of its international trade. Often referred to as China's “chicken neck,” this narrow passage connects the Bay of Bengal with the Indian Ocean. Blocking it would prevent access to both the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean for any nation.
After a high-level meeting in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong issued a joint statement: “Singapore appreciates India's interest in Malacca Straits patrol.” The region is geopolitically sensitive, and India's growing influence there could significantly disrupt China's supply chain in times of conflict.
Why Malacca Strait Matters
The Malacca Strait is one of the busiest and most important maritime routes in the world. It connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific and acts as a gateway to the Bay of Bengal. China depends heavily on this route for its energy supply — especially oil and gas imports from the Middle East and Africa.
At its narrowest, the strait is only 2.7 kilometers wide, making it easily blockable during wartime. Currently, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia monitor this route. With India joining the patrol, the region's maritime security would be significantly enhanced, putting pressure on China’s strategic planning.
China's Vulnerability at Malacca
China imports about 80% of its oil and gas through the Malacca Strait. It is the fastest and most cost-effective route for energy supplies from the Middle East and Africa. A significant portion of China’s foreign trade also transits through this chokepoint, linking the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, and offering access to Asia-Pacific markets.
Despite efforts to develop alternative routes via Gwadar (Pakistan), Myanmar, and Cambodia, the Malacca Strait remains China’s primary route. This joint patrol agreement marks a major strategic win for India and could reshape the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.