India’s Strategic Response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative: The Case of Economic Corridors
India Review, vol.24, no.3, pp.331-357, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 24 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1080/14736489.2025.2514965
- Journal Name: India Review
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, American History and Life, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Historical Abstracts, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Sociological abstracts, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
- Page Numbers: pp.331-357
- Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This paper analyzes India’s strategic approach toward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduced by China in 2013. While the BRI is promoted as a global connectivity initiative, India perceives it through the lens of geopolitics, particularly due to China’s growing influence in South Asia, facilitated by projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This corridor not only traverses disputed territory in Kashmir but also enhances China’s economic and military presence in India’s immediate neighborhood, alarming Indian policymakers. India’s response includes the development of alternative connectivity initiatives such as the Chabahar port in Iran and the India-the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. These efforts are designed not only to mitigate China’s influence but also to strengthen India’s economic and strategic ties with regions beyond South Asia. By examining India’s cautious approach to the BRI and its proactive measures in regional connectivity, this paper sheds light on India’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and expand its geopolitical influence amidst evolving global economic dynamics.