Answer:

Introduction:

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s broader ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, is a crucial project aiming to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan with China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang. Despite its economic potential, India has expressed reservations due to strategic and sovereignty concerns.

Body:

Listed below are the reasons of India distancing itself from The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

• Sovereignty Issues: The corridor passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, thereby infringing on India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• Strategic Concerns: India views CPEC as an initiative that could potentially offer China military advantages, disturbing the regional power balance.
• Lack of Transparency: India has concerns about the lack of transparency and environmental standards in the implementation of the project.
• Debt Diplomacy: India is wary of the potential debt traps associated with China’s investment projects, as evidenced in other participating countries like Sri Lanka.

Conclusion:

India’s reservations about CPEC are rooted in its sovereignty claims, strategic stability, and transparency concerns. It underscores the need for India to foster its strategic and economic ties to counterbalance these regional developments.