Two important developments have come to light in South Asia. Islamabad has a 6th strategic dialogue between Pakistan and China’s foreign ministers in which the two countries reviewed their bilateral relations and especially emphasizing the speed of work on CPEC 2.0, Gwadar Port and Karakoram highway project. Along with this, China has appreciated its efforts to deal with terrorism, promising to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
Along with this, Bangladesh’s involvement with Pakistan and China is increasing, which includes a visa-free travel agreement between Bangladesh and Pakistan for diplomatic and official passport holders, Dhaka tour of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister and Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff. Both these incidents are worrying for India, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit China.
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Let us tell you that China and Pakistan have long been called themselves “Iron Brothers”. Now agreed to India’s “upgraded version” and Gwadar Port’s joint development is strategically important for India, as the Gwadar Port will strengthen China’s hold at the entrance of the Indian Ocean. In addition, the reconstruction of Karakoram Highway passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), on which India has already objected. At the same time, by supporting Pakistan’s weak economy, China is bringing it closer to itself, due to which there is a danger of forming a united front against India.
Talking about Bangladesh, there is tension between India-Bangladesh over water distribution, border disputes and political issues. In such a situation, Bangladesh’s growing closer growth of China and Pakistan is a warning sign for India. If seen, the visa-free agreement will give new energy to the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Also, military cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing can create new challenges on India’s eastern borders. In addition, the increase in economic partnership with Pakistan can affect India-Bangladesh trade balance.
If we mention what precautions should India take, then it can be said that New Delhi will have to maintain a balanced dialogue with both Dhaka and Beijing. Especially relationships with Bangladesh have to be strengthened so that it does not become part of China-Pak axis. In addition, projects such as CPEC and Gwadar directly affect India’s security and maritime strategy, the Indian Navy and Intelligence Mechase must keep a close watch on this activity. In addition, India can reduce their dependence on China by deepening economic and business relations with neighbors.
In such a situation, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to go to China at a long time interval, then China and Bangladesh’s growing close closer to make this visit more sensitive. Therefore, India should clearly keep its concern on CPEC activities in POK and Dhaka-Islamabad-seed equation in POK in talks with China. Prime Minister Modi should use his visit to convey the message that India-China cooperation will be sustainable only when China respects India’s security and sovereignty concerns in the neighborhood.
However, Pakistan-China partnership and Bangladesh’s inclination is creating new examinations for both India’s diplomacy and security, so Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China becomes even more important in this perspective. India will now have to adopt a strong economic and security strategy along with balanced, vigilant and active diplomacy, so that it can strengthen its position between the changing geopolitical equations in the neighborhood.