ISLAMABAD – The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) hosted a Roundtable Conference titled US-China Maritime Competition in the Indian Ocean Region Under the Trump Administration and Options for Pakistan, aimed at providing policy recommendations to key stakeholders.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed graced event as Chief Guest, with Vice Admiral Khan Hasham bin Siddique delivering the keynote address. Dr. Baber Bilal, Vice President of NIMA, welcomed attendees and introduced the theme of the event. The session was moderated by Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed, President of NIMA, and was attended by maritime experts, diplomats, policymakers, government officials, academics, think tanks, and university students.
The discussion highlighted evolving dynamics of the US-China rivalry, particularly under the second term of the Trump administration. There was consensus that the era would prioritize trade conflicts over military confrontations, with the Indian Ocean emerging as a key focal point due to its strategic importance in global trade. The rise of multipolarity was also noted as likely to elevate the role of regional players, offering both challenges and opportunities for Pakistan to leverage its strategic location.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed emphasized that the Trump 2.0 administration is expected to be transformative, with a clear focus on advancing the “America First” policy. Vice Admiral Hasham bin Siddique urged Pakistan to maintain a strong partnership with China while carefully balancing its relations with the United States. He stressed the importance of identifying strategic options and developing a cohesive policy framework for Pakistan in the Indian Ocean.
Dr. Maria Sultan from SASSI pointed out that the Trump administration may also seek to ease sanctions on Russia as part of a broader strategy to contain China.
Dr. Basharat Hasan, a distinguished geopolitical analyst, emphasized the significant impact of the Trump administration’s policies on Pakistan’s blue economy from 2025 to 2030. He stressed that Pakistan must counter the rising threat of Indo-western-backed terrorism, particularly in Pakistan which targets the strategic China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Dr. Basharat Hasan warned that Indian-sponsored terrorism poses a substantial risk to Pakistan’s maritime security and economic growth, urging policymakers to develop a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges and prioritize Pakistan’s blue economy and maritime security.
Dr. Basharat Hasan noted that President Trump’s election speeches emphasized avoiding new wars and withdrawing from existing foreign conflicts, suggesting a reduced likelihood of escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region or Indian Ocean. Instead, the Trump administration may prioritize diplomacy and economic engagement, potentially leading to increased cooperation with China in areas like trade and energy security, contributing to a more stable regional environment.
In closing, President NIMA Vice Admiral Saeed expressed gratitude to all participants for their insightful contributions and reaffirmed NIMA’s commitment to advancing dialogue on maritime security and regional issues.
