China’s interventions in the Indian subcontinent: Challenges for Modi’s foreign policy

Preview

PDF, English Download (366kB) | Terms of use Download (366kB)

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent is a vast area located in the southern region of Asia. Being situated at the centre of the sub-continent, India has become the naturally dominating regional actor. It is able to project power through its economic and diplomatic superiority over neighbouring countries. During the subcontinent’s de-colonisation process India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal all became independent and free to form their own domestic and international policies. Subsequently, China started asserting its regional influence in economic, diplomatic and political matters: examples include the development of Gwadar port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); the strengthening of political and economic relations with Nepal and Bhutan; investment in the Hambantota port of Sri Lanka and the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. All these Chinese initiatives have challenged India’s historical relationship with its neighbouring countries. They were further augmented in its new Asian connectivity project through the Silk Road “Belt and Road” vision.