India’s 5th Generation Warfare against Pakistan and it’s Implications on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Abstract

This study investigates India's use of fifth-generation warfare (5GW) tactics against Pakistan and analyzes their strategic and economic implications for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Utilizing Chankya’s theory of Undeclared Warfare (Gudha Yuddha) and Noam Chomsky's Propaganda Model as theoretical frameworks, the research examines how non-kinetic warfare—characterized by cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, narrative manipulation, and proxy conflicts—has become India's preferred strategy following the establishment of nuclear deterrence. The study identifies the Belt and Road Initiative's flagship CPEC project as a focal point of these operations due to its potential to enhance Pakistan's geostrategic position and economic viability. Through a qualitative methodology incorporating elite interviews, surveys and content analysis, the research reveals a multifaceted campaign—encompassing diplomatic isolation, economic subversion, and the exploitation of identity fault lines—evidenced by initiatives like "Indian Chronicles," exposed by EU Disinfo Lab, and the "Doval Doctrine." Findings demonstrate that while these operations have not halted the CPEC development, they have significantly disrupted investment flows, increased security costs, and complicated regional integration efforts. The research concludes that India's 5GW against CPEC reflects broader geopolitical realignments, particularly the US-India strategic convergence aimed at counterbalancing China's regional influence. It contributes to academic discourse by applying critical and Asian theoretical perspectives to South Asian security dynamics and offers substantive policy recommendations for Pakistan to enhance resilience against information warfare, address internal vulnerabilities, and strengthen institutional responses to emerging security challenges.