This was waiting to happen and finally India is moving up in Asian leadership position taking away considerable influence from China. India turning into a strategic actor in Asia, especially south and south east, had been long awaited. In the recent past India has successfully navigated regional diplomacy and won over allies and security partners across the region. Be this in expanding of markets, helping provide security to smaller nations, enabling technology support and support to friends or be in political alignment in Asia, this all is being driven by prudent geo-politics played by India and this has led it into a commanding position. 

The way India has handled equations in South east Asia, despite the already existing force of powerplay by China, has only proven the seriousness India takes its neighborhood and the determination of Indian leadership to play the role of ‘Vishwaguru’ in global politics. Even as earlier most Asian nations would be wary of taking sides in geopolitical balances, the aggressive posture adopted by China has made them see the benefit of aligning with India and safeguard their interests under mutually driven relationships. This is also likely to be followed by the United States moving closer to India, if only to counter China. This again gives India a clear advantage in the region against its northern neighbor. 

The new games in Indo-Pacific will be interesting to watch out for students of politics.