Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a network of infrastructure projects spanning Pakistan, aiming to connect Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, with the port of Gwadar in Balochistan, Pakistan. Launched in 2015 with an estimated investment of over $62 billion, CPEC has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. While presented as an economic venture, CPEC poses multifaceted security threats to India, stemming from its territorial implications, strategic alignment, and potential economic vulnerabilities. This answer will critically examine these threats, providing a comprehensive assessment of the challenges India faces.
Territorial Implications & Security Concerns
The most immediate security concern arises from CPEC’s passage through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. India views this as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Sovereignty Dispute: India’s consistent protest against CPEC is rooted in its claim over these territories. China’s involvement legitimizes Pakistan’s control, complicating future negotiations.
- Increased Chinese Presence: CPEC necessitates a substantial Chinese security presence in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan to protect its investments. This includes the deployment of thousands of Chinese personnel, raising concerns about a potential long-term strategic foothold.
- Border Infrastructure Development: China is actively developing infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) under the guise of CPEC-related projects, enhancing its military capabilities and potentially altering the balance of power.
Strategic Threats
CPEC strengthens the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, creating a two-front security challenge for India.
- Enhanced Military Cooperation: CPEC facilitates increased military cooperation between China and Pakistan, including joint exercises, arms sales, and intelligence sharing. This poses a direct threat to India’s security interests.
- Gwadar Port as a Naval Base: The development of Gwadar Port, a key component of CPEC, raises concerns about its potential use as a Chinese naval base in the Indian Ocean. This would allow China to project its naval power and monitor Indian maritime activities.
- String of Pearls Strategy: CPEC is viewed as a crucial element in China’s “String of Pearls” strategy – a network of ports and infrastructure projects encircling India, aimed at containing its influence.
Economic Vulnerabilities & Security
While CPEC is presented as an economic project, it can also create economic vulnerabilities for India.
- Debt Trap Diplomacy: Concerns exist that Pakistan may fall into a debt trap due to CPEC-related loans from China, increasing China’s economic leverage over Pakistan and potentially influencing its foreign policy decisions.
- Trade Imbalance: CPEC could exacerbate the existing trade imbalance between China and India, further widening the trade deficit and impacting India’s economic security.
- Disruption of Trade Routes: CPEC aims to create alternative trade routes bypassing India. This could potentially reduce India’s role as a key transit hub in the region.
| Threat Dimension | Specific Concerns |
|---|---|
| Territorial | Violation of sovereignty, Chinese presence in POK/Gilgit-Baltistan, infrastructure development along LAC |
| Strategic | Enhanced Sino-Pak military cooperation, Gwadar as a naval base, “String of Pearls” strategy |
| Economic | Debt trap diplomacy, trade imbalance, disruption of Indian trade routes |
Conclusion
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor presents a complex and multifaceted security challenge for India. While direct military confrontation is unlikely, the project’s territorial implications, strategic alignment, and potential economic vulnerabilities necessitate a comprehensive and proactive response. India needs to strengthen its border infrastructure, enhance its military capabilities, forge stronger strategic partnerships with like-minded countries, and focus on economic self-reliance. A nuanced approach that combines diplomatic engagement with robust security measures is crucial to mitigate the threats posed by CPEC and safeguard India’s national interests.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.