China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat…

Question

China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India's security? Critically examine.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor threatens India's sovereignty over Gilgit-Baltistan and deepens China-Pakistan military collusion, though Pakistan's insecurity and debt have blunted its near-term impact. SIPRI found that China supplied 81% of Pakistan's arms imports in 2020-24.

**Introduction**

China and Pakistan signed the memorandum on an economic corridor in May 2013 and launched it with about 46 billion dollars of projects in 2015. Running from Kashgar to Gwadar through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, it is economic in name but strategic in effect.

**Threats the Corridor Poses to India's Security**

1. **Sovereignty**: Chinese investment in Gilgit-Baltistan entrenches Pakistan's occupation and makes China a party to the Kashmir dispute, against the bilateralism of the 1972 Shimla Agreement.
2. **Two-front collusion**: China supplied 81% of Pakistan's arms imports in 2020-24 (SIPRI), a nexus Indian commanders said was active during Operation Sindoor in 2025.
3. **Maritime encirclement**: Gwadar, near the Strait of Hormuz, could host the Chinese navy and complete the String of Pearls.
4. **Shield for terror**: China blocked the UN listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar until 2019, and Chinese private security firms now guard corridor projects.

**Limits to the Threat**

SKETCH: forcefield | How Real Is the CPEC Threat
center: Threat to India
driving: PoK legitimised, Two-front collusion, Gwadar naval access
restraining: Baloch insurgency, Pakistan's debt, Gwadar underused

1. **Insecurity in Pakistan**: Attacks on Chinese workers, as at Dasu in 2021 and Besham in March 2024, have slowed the corridor.
2. **Economic fragility**: Pakistan's IMF bailouts and arrears to Chinese power producers have stalled many projects.
3. **India's counter-moves**: India's ten-year Chabahar agreement of 2024 and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor offer competing routes.

**Conclusion**

The corridor is a real long-term threat, chiefly to India's sovereignty claim and through deeper China-Pakistan collusion, though Pakistan's insecurity and debt have blunted its near-term edge. Firm diplomacy on sovereignty and credible two-front deterrence are India's answer.

China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India's security? Critically examine.

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