2026 · GS Paper 2 · Q20 · 15 marks
“China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in South Asia.
In short
China's Belt and Road Initiative threatens India's security through CPEC across Gilgit-Baltistan and dual-use ports, and erodes its regional pre-eminence, though BRI debt troubles give India an opening. Hambantota, leased to China for 99 years in 2017, shows how loans become strategic access.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 284 words
Sovereignty and two fronts
CPEC runs through Gilgit-Baltistan, so India has boycotted the Belt and Road Forum since 2017, and it ties China to Pakistan, whose Chinese J-10C jets and PL-15 missiles were used in the May 2025 conflict.
Maritime footholds
Gwadar, Hambantota (leased for 99 years in 2017) and Kyaukphyu sit on India's sea lanes, and the tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 docked at Hambantota in August 2022.
Digital and Himalayan reach
Digital Silk Road telecom networks and roads planned under Nepal's BRI framework (December 2024) extend China to India's frontier.
Rival partner
Projects such as the Sinamale Bridge and the China-Maldives FTA (2025) erode India's role as default partner.
Leverage for neighbours
Small states play China against India to extract better terms, weakening India's bargaining power.
BRI limits
Sri Lanka's 2022 default, with China as its largest bilateral creditor, exposed the debt risk, while India's US$4 billion support restored its standing.
Credible alternatives
Faster Kaladan, BBIN and IMEC delivery, SAGAR-MAHASAGAR maritime partnerships and co-financing with Japan and the Quad.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.