Indian Ocean draws big navies of Australia, US with India, China, France and GB.

So many major powers are no match for the traditional pirates and Islamic ships, and drug traffickers that roam that ocean.

With the big players patrolling the 3 major straits of the Indian Ocean the small countries may feel better protected and likely beneficiaries of generous infrastructure projects gifted from them.  Membership of the two camps, the Chinese with the Indo-Chinese region; and the Western powers with India, are readily identifiable for local, regional countries to choose sides, should they feel in need of protection or are desirous of pampering!

So far, no serious conflicts between countries from the opposing camps.