India-China Relations and the Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR)

1. Overview of OBOR

The One Belt One Road (OBOR) or Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China’s ambitious infrastructure and economic development project launched in 2013. It aims to enhance global trade routes and build connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa through investments in infrastructure projects.

2. India’s Concerns

• Geopolitical Tensions: India has expressed concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key OBOR project that passes through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which India claims as its territory. This has led to heightened geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
• Strategic Competition: India perceives OBOR as an extension of China’s geostrategic influence that could potentially undermine India’s position in the Indian Ocean region and South Asia. The Doklam standoff (2017) exemplified the strategic competition between India and China in the broader context of OBOR.

3. Economic and Trade Relations

• Opportunities for Collaboration: Despite the strategic concerns, OBOR offers potential economic opportunities for India. Improved connectivity and trade routes could benefit India’s economic growth if leveraged properly. For example, India’s participation in regional projects like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor aims to provide an alternative to OBOR and promote regional connectivity.
• Trade Imbalance: India faces a trade imbalance with China, with significant deficits. Addressing these trade imbalances while engaging with OBOR remains a challenge for India.

4. Diplomatic and Regional Engagements

• Strategic Partnerships: India has sought to strengthen diplomatic ties with other countries and regional blocs like the Quad to counterbalance China’s influence. India’s engagement in forums like the ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) reflects its strategic maneuvering in the context of OBOR.

Conclusion

India-China relations in the light of OBOR are marked by a mix of strategic rivalry and economic opportunity. While India is cautious about China’s growing influence through OBOR, it also seeks to balance its concerns with potential benefits through strategic partnerships and regional engagements.