You are missing the point
@gambit is making.
If India stays in the Indian Ocean we fight a defensive war with Chinese. Defensive wars are very risky for the defender, given its on their homeland the conflict takes place and aggressor has nothing to lose.
The only way to prevent China from making way to IO is to take the fight to SCS and ensure Chinese fight a defensive war in SCS
Our lack of intention to challenge Chinese will be seen as a lack of capability and make Chinese even more hegemonic.
For example, when Chinese assisted Pakistan's nuclear capability, we Indians did nothing similar in Chinese neighbourhood,
Basking on this lack of response from India and perceived success Chinese went on to nuclear submarine docking in Sri Lanka. While things have gone in India's favor with regime change in Sri Lanka.
Chinese have already made their move, ball is in India's court.