Oil trade routes and India's geo-political advantage
Here is a picture about oil trade routesfrom Geopolitical futures:
You can see the Geo-political importance of India. India has access choke-points carrying about 40 million barrels per day - 4X flow at all other choke points put together. Guarded by a decent navy that can go against the best.
You will realise why China is interested in this area and interested in encircling India with string of pearls. More so if you have read Daniel Yergins The Prize. (If not read it now for understanding of oil industry).
For more details of balance of naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region look at the map below:
Naval Bases in Indo-Pacific - Rahul Deodhar (data from public sources)
These maps are important tools to understand Geo-politics and George Friedman of Geopolitical Futures has a great compilation. Head over there to check it out.
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