Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Contextual Background
- Define the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of China’s “One Belt One Road” initiative.
- Briefly mention its objective to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China’s Xinjiang region.
- Significance of CPEC
- Highlight the economic potential and regional connectivity aspirations of CPEC.
Body
Description of CPEC
- Overview
- Explain the infrastructure components: roads, railways, and pipelines.
- Mention the expected benefits such as trade enhancement and economic growth.
Reasons for India’s Distancing from CPEC
- Sovereignty Issues
- Fact: CPEC passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, a region claimed by India but administered by Pakistan.
- Explain how this affects India’s territorial integrity.
- Strategic Concerns
- Fact: India views CPEC as a potential military advantage for China, disturbing regional power dynamics.
- Discuss the implications for Indian security.
- Lack of Transparency
- Fact: Concerns regarding governance and environmental standards in CPEC projects.
- Detail the skepticism surrounding project implementation.
- Debt Diplomacy
- Fact: India is cautious of the economic dependency risks associated with Chinese investments, as seen in other countries like Sri Lanka. (Source: Financial Times.)
- Explain the potential implications for participating countries.
Conclusion
- Summarize India’s reasons for distancing itself from CPEC, emphasizing sovereignty, strategic stability, transparency, and economic risks.
- Highlight the broader implications for India’s regional strategy and need to strengthen its own ties.
Introduction
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project under China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, aimed at enhancing connectivity between China and Pakistan through infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and energy projects.
Key Features of CPEC
Reasons for India’s Distance from CPEC
Conclusion
In summary, while CPEC aims to foster economic growth, India’s concerns over sovereignty, strategic implications, and transparency have led to its distancing from this initiative.
Model Answer
Introduction
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant development project that forms a key part of China’s broader “One Belt One Road” initiative. CPEC aims to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province to Xinjiang in northwestern China through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines. The corridor is expected to enhance trade, boost economic growth, and promote regional connectivity. However, despite its potential benefits, India has chosen to distance itself from the initiative.
Reasons for India’s Distancing from CPEC
Conclusion
India’s distancing from CPEC is rooted in its concerns over sovereignty, strategic stability, transparency, and economic risks. These factors highlight India’s need to strengthen its own strategic and economic ties to effectively counterbalance regional developments influenced by China.