Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction (50-75 words)
- Briefly introduce CPEC and its significance as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
- State the primary concern regarding its impact on India’s security.
Relevant Facts:
- CPEC is a major development project involving infrastructure and energy initiatives between China and Pakistan.
2. CPEC Activities Posing Security Challenges for India (150-200 words)
- Infringement of Territorial Claims:
- Explain how CPEC activities in Gilgit-Baltistan challenge India’s sovereignty.
Relevant Facts:
- Construction in disputed areas undermines India’s position on Kashmir (Ministry of External Affairs).
- Potential Strategic Encirclement:
- Discuss Gwadar Port’s implications for India’s maritime security.
Relevant Facts:
- Gwadar’s location near the Strait of Hormuz raises concerns about military usage (International Maritime Organization).
- Empowering Adversary’s Economy:
- Analyze how CPEC boosts Pakistan’s military capabilities through economic enhancement.
Relevant Facts:
- Projects like the Sahiwal Coal Power Project improve Pakistan’s energy security and military spending.
- Economic Empowerment of Pakistan:
- Highlight infrastructure projects that bolster Pakistan’s economy, impacting regional power dynamics.
Relevant Facts:
- CPEC investments include the $2.5 billion Lahore-Karachi Motorway and $2.1 billion Karot Hydropower Station.
- Strengthening Pakistan’s Industrial Capacity:
- Mention the establishment of SEZs and their role in enhancing Pakistan’s industrial growth.
Relevant Facts:
- SEZs like Rashakai Economic Zone are key to increasing economic capacity.
- Enhancing Chinese Influence:
- Discuss the implications of improved communication links between China and Pakistan.
Relevant Facts:
- Projects like the Fiber Optic Project strengthen bilateral ties.
- Potential Military Route:
- Address concerns about the Karakoram Highway’s military implications.
Relevant Facts:
- Upgrades could facilitate military logistics between China and Pakistan.
3. Critical Examination (100-150 words)
- Acknowledge that while security concerns are valid, economic corridors can promote regional integration.
- Discuss the importance of how China and Pakistan decide to utilize the infrastructure.
Relevant Facts:
- Economic corridors can lead to greater stability if managed well (Asian Development Bank).
4. Conclusion (50-75 words)
- Summarize the security threats posed by CPEC while emphasizing the need for India to adopt proactive diplomatic measures.
- State that navigating these geopolitical challenges is crucial for India’s security interests.
Final Thoughts
- Ensure clarity and coherence throughout the answer.
- Use relevant facts and sources to support key points in each section.
- Aim for a total word count of around 300 words, maintaining a structured and logical flow.
Model Answer
Introduction
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is a significant development project that raises substantial security concerns for India due to its strategic implications and potential military applications.
CPEC Activities Posing Security Challenges for India
Infringement of Territorial Claims
The construction of highways and railways in the disputed Gilgit-Baltistan region directly challenges India’s sovereignty claims over the territory. This development undermines India’s position on the Kashmir issue and raises tensions in the region.
Potential Strategic Encirclement
The development of Gwadar Port near the strategic Strait of Hormuz has escalated fears of military encirclement. This port’s potential military use could threaten India’s maritime interests in the Arabian Sea.
Empowering Adversary’s Economy
CPEC’s energy projects, such as the Sahiwal Coal Power Project and Karot Hydropower Station, could enhance Pakistan’s military capabilities by boosting its economy. A stronger economy translates to improved defense spending, thereby posing a greater threat to India.
Economic Empowerment of Pakistan
CPEC includes significant infrastructure projects, like the $2.5 billion Lahore-Karachi Motorway and the $2.1 billion Karot Hydropower Station, which could uplift Pakistan’s economy. This economic boost may indirectly fortify Pakistan’s military capacity and upset regional power dynamics, particularly concerning India.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Industrial Capacity
The establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), such as the Rashakai Economic Zone, enhances Pakistan’s industrial potential, further complicating India’s security calculus.
Enhancing Chinese Influence
Projects like the Fiber Optic Project establish direct communication links between China and Pakistan, increasing Chinese influence in the region. This development raises concerns about the strategic implications for India.
Potential Military Route
The upgrade of the Karakoram Highway, which connects China and Pakistan, could serve military purposes, allowing for rapid troop movement in case of conflict.
Critical Examination
While the security concerns surrounding CPEC are legitimate, it is essential to recognize that economic corridors can also promote regional integration and development. The strategic implications largely depend on how China and Pakistan utilize the infrastructure created under the project.
Conclusion
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor poses considerable security challenges for India, necessitating proactive diplomacy and strategic planning. India must navigate the geopolitical shifts triggered by such initiatives while safeguarding its security interests and regional stability.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Its Threats to India’s Security:
1. Strategic and Geopolitical Implications:
2. Security Concerns for India:
3. Regional Impact and Challenges:
Recent Examples:
Conclusion: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) poses significant threats to India’s security by strengthening China’s strategic presence in the region, potentially enhancing Pakistan’s military and economic capabilities, and increasing the risk of militancy and regional instability. India must adopt comprehensive strategies to address these challenges, including enhancing its own infrastructure, strengthening regional alliances, and increasing vigilance in border security.