---
title: "Necklace of Diamonds Strategy: India vs China"
description: "The Necklace of Diamonds is India's strategy to counter China's String of Pearls by building bases and partnerships across the Indian Ocean. Key UPSC GS2 topic."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/necklace-of-diamonds-strategy"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Necklace of Diamonds is India's strategic doctrine of encircling China by expanding naval bases, diplomatic partnerships, and military access points across the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific.
- How does the Necklace of Diamonds differ from the String of Pearls?
- Is the Necklace of Diamonds an official Indian government doctrine?
- Which ports are considered the key 'diamonds'?
- What role do logistics agreements play in the strategy?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2018, India and Indonesia agreed to develop Sabang Port at the northern tip of Sumatra, widely cited as a key "diamond" granting the Indian Navy access near the western approaches to the Strait of Malacca.

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