China’s Belt and Road Initiative and India’s Concerns

The successful conclusion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit in Beijing recently has raised a number of questions about India’s strategy to counter the Chinese project. The One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative which China is implementing along with other partners is primarily aimed at strengthening its economy which was impacted by the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. Through this flagship scheme China will develop large-scale projects in infrastructure such as roads, railway lines, sea ports and airports. Such extensive activity will ensure Chinese influence and clout in different parts of the world. The expanding role undertaken by Beijing via OBOR especially in South Asia has made India apprehensive. China has even bypassed India’s concern and contention on the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Hence, based on the above issues, the article examines India’s reservations, the response to the challenges posed by OBOR and the initiative’s long-term consequences.