Challenges to CPEC in Baluchistan: Indian Factor

Abstract

Throughout recent years India has kept an eye upon Pakistan’s stability and political affairs. However, in 2015 after the inititation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Indian involvement in Baluchistan region of Pakistan grew exponentially. CPEC is a strategic bilateral project, which is not only important for Pakistan’s development but for the whole region as well. Baluchistan is the largest by area but is the least developed province of Pakistan. The economic and infrastructural investment under the CPEC projects is expected to benefit the most in this region. The entrepreneurial initiatives in Baluchistan under CPEC would be the center of the main economic activity. India who is already in competition with China is insecure and finding its own alternative options to curtail China. India prefers to obstruct the growing influence of China in the Asian region. Hence, India is sponsoring Baloch rebels to create insurgency and insecurity to disrupt the development process under CPEC. The reliability and possibility of the execution of the project rely upon the peace, stability, and security of the region. China considers the peace and political position is very important for the thriving economy. The Indian approach is totally hostile towards CPEC as the project is challenging India in many terms. New Delhi has constructed some forums like the Hind-Baloch Forum and Free-Baluchistan Movements to get the help of anti-state components. Political and economic deprivation in Balochistan is the root cause of the uprising tension of insecurity and lawlessness. This study will determine by applying Realist paradigm whether India is capable enough to not only disrupt CPEC project, but also to replace China in the region. This research study is qualitative in nature and the deductive approach have been applied. Certainly taking Baluchistan as a strategic asset amidst all this, Pakistan’s partnership with China has been one of the defining moments in the history of this region. Pakistan and China consequently need to understand the fluctuating geopolitical conditions and accordingly use their strategies to respond efficiently to the accomplishment of the CPEC project.