Implications of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Geopolitical Analysis with Reference to India

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has emerged as a significant determinant of regional economic and geopolitical dynamics in South Asia. This paper examines the economic rationale of CPEC, its regional implications, and its consequences for India’s strategic interests. Employing a qualitative and analytical approach based on secondary sources, the study investigates how infrastructure development, energy cooperation, and connectivity objectives intersect with territorial disputes, strategic competition, and regional security concerns. Particular attention is devoted to the corridor’s passage through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which constitutes a fundamental source of India’s opposition. The paper further analyses India’s strategic response, including diplomatic resistance, enhanced defence preparedness, regional partnerships, and alternative connectivity initiatives such as Chabahar Port and the International North–South Transport Corridor. The study argues that the corridor presents both developmental opportunities and geopolitical challenges, with its long-term effectiveness dependent on economic sustainability, political stability, and regional security. It concludes that India requires a multidimensional strategy combining strategic autonomy, economic diplomacy, and regional cooperation to safeguard its interests.