Subject: Internal Security

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has emerged as a significant security challenge for India, with implications ranging from territorial integrity to strategic encirclement.

Security Challenges for India

Territorial Sovereignty

• The corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, which India considers its integral territory, directly challenging India's territorial sovereignty.
• The project internationalizes the Kashmir dispute by involving Chinese investments and presence in disputed territories.

Military and Strategic Threats

• The development of Gwadar Port as a naval base enhances China's maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), challenging India's traditional maritime dominance.
• Recent developments show deployment of Chinese private security firms with military personnel along CPEC routes, indicating growing military footprint.
• The completion of 888 kilometers of motorways and ongoing development of 853 kilometers of highways strengthens Pakistan's military mobility and logistics capabilities.

Economic and Diplomatic Implications

• The $6.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure projects strengthens China-Pakistan nexus, potentially limiting India's regional influence.
• The operational New Gwadar International Airport facilitates rapid military deployment and strengthens Pakistan's strategic depth.

Critical Analysis

Positive Aspects

• Regional connectivity and infrastructure development could potentially benefit the entire region through trade.
• Economic development might reduce extremism and promote stability in Pakistan.

Negative Aspects

• Creates a "two-front challenge" for India with increased coordination between China and Pakistan.
• Strengthens Pakistan's economic and military capabilities through Chinese support.
• Risk of strategic encirclement through Chinese presence in IOR and PoK.

India's ongoing development of counter-measures includes strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean through initiatives like Project MAUSAM and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The establishment of strategic partnerships with countries like the US, Japan, and Australia through frameworks like QUAD demonstrates India's diplomatic response to this evolving security challenge.