India's Curious Strategic Obsession with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article revolves around various perspectives pertaining to India's infatuation with the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). With the number of opportunities that the corridor seeks to present for Pakistan, from infrastructure and energy to numerous employment opportunities, this report showcases instances of India's hybrid intervention and continued stance opposing CPEC. While India has held its ground strategically which encompasses a resilient attention and budget to the cause of intervening in the corridor, it could become a major obstacle in Pakistan’s need for the multifaceted opportunities that it has presented. With the creation of innumerable employment, energy and taxes, this corridor has helped boost Pakistan’s economy substantially. Moreover, the second phase of the corridor, which is known as CPEC 2.0, is being initiated and implemented, which presents a multitude of opportunities including agricultural and industrial ones. Therefore, any obstacle that is put in the way of this corridor could in turn affect the economic growth of Pakistan. While discussing the trajectory of India’s ‘obsession’, its deep-rooted history with Pakistan and China is immensely significant. Therefore, the aforementioned facets could present a number of implications not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region considering India’s recent policies and hegemonic designs.