Why the Malacca Strait Could Be India’s Biggest Geopolitical Lever Indian Navy’s growing role in Malacca Strait patrols with ASEAN could reshape Indo-Pacific power dynamics. The Malacca Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying nearly 40% of global trade and most of China’s vital energy imports. Now, reports suggest that India is in talks with ASEAN nations Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand to join coordinated patrols in the strait. If this happens, it could give India unprecedented leverage in Indo-Pacific geopolitics, strengthening ties with ASEAN, increasing pressure on China’s “Malacca Dilemma,” and positioning India as an independent power brokernot just a follower of the US.