China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India’s Concerns, Responses and Strategies

Abstract

The rise of China in the era of globalization is significant due to its global implications and is attributed to various factors like rapid economic growth, strategic modernization, reconnecting with the Chinese Diaspora, particularly in the west, modernization of its military, and vibrant maritime trade strategy and so on. In the process of sustaining its rise, China has initiated several ambitious plans like the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a combination of Silk Road Economic Belt targeting Central Asia and Europe and Maritime Silk Road (MSR) focussed on Southeast, South and North Asian regions. To make this a reality, the Chinese government has already made tremendous efforts to mobilize political, economic and diplomatic resources. However, BRI will not yield great results without the critical role of India. In this context, the paper attempts to identify the guiding factors for China to initiate BRI and its impact on its peaceful rise and the regions. India’s response and strategies to BRI is critically analyzed. Finally, the paper also explores the mutual benefits and challenges for both India and China for successful implementation of BRI.