Q20. China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connects China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar port. This economic and infrastructure corridor has strategic and economic implications, bringing China closer to the Arabian Sea and creating direct access to the Indian Ocean. While CPEC is intended to enhance trade and connectivity, it poses significant security challenges for India, both regionally and strategically.

Body

Security Threats Posed to India by CPEC

• Strategic Encirclement (“String of Pearls”): CPEC, along with other Chinese infrastructure projects in South Asia, is part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy to encircle India with strategic bases and ports. Gwadar port provides China with a foothold near India’s western coast, enhancing its presence in the Indian Ocean, which India considers its sphere of influence.
• Increased Military Collaboration: The corridor passes through Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan, which is part of the disputed Kashmir region. This could lead to greater Chinese and Pakistani military collaboration in the region, complicating India’s security dynamics in an already sensitive area.
• Economic Influence and Dependence: Through CPEC, China gains substantial economic leverage over Pakistan, increasing its influence in South Asia. Pakistan’s economic dependence on China may embolden it to adopt a more aggressive stance on issues like Kashmir, escalating regional tensions.
• Threat to India’s Energy and Trade Routes: Gwadar port’s proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy chokepoint, enables China to exert potential control over the oil and trade routes essential to India’s economy. This could compromise India’s energy security and trade interests.
• Intelligence and Surveillance Concerns: Chinese infrastructure and personnel along the CPEC route provide a base for intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities close to India’s borders, raising concerns about espionage and increased monitoring of Indian military movements.

Strategies for India’s Response

• Strengthen Regional Partnerships: India should bolster strategic ties with countries like Iran, the United States, and ASEAN nations to counterbalance China’s influence. The development of the Chabahar port in Iran is a strategic response, offering India an alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Enhance Military and Maritime Capabilities: Strengthening India’s navy and investing in maritime infrastructure will enhance its ability to secure its interests in the Indian Ocean and counter Chinese influence in the region.
• Engage in Diplomatic Efforts: India should raise concerns about CPEC’s passage through disputed territories in international forums, highlighting the violation of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Promote Economic Initiatives: Expanding economic cooperation in South Asia and beyond can reduce the dependence of regional countries on Chinese investments, promoting a multipolar balance in the region.

Conclusion

‍CPEC poses multidimensional security challenges for India, intensifying regional rivalry and potentially impacting India’s sovereignty and economic security. To counter these threats, India must adopt a proactive strategy combining military preparedness, regional diplomacy, and strategic investments. Ensuring regional stability and protecting India’s strategic interests will require sustained efforts and partnerships amid evolving power dynamics.

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