The Kashmir Conflict and Sino-Indian Rivalry: Geopolitics of the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

In the tumultuous decades following the British withdrawal from the Indian subcontinent, a critical fault line has emerged between India and Pakistan, with the Kashmir conflict standing as the most intractable and volatile of these disputes. This long-simmering crisis reached its zenith during the Cold War era, as both the Soviet and American blocs sought to leverage Asia's strategic significance to their respective advantages. With the collapse of the Iron Curtain and the dawn of American unipolar dominance on the global stage, China has emerged as the preeminent contender for a multipolar world order. Consequently, the competition between Beijing and New Delhi for regional and international influence has intensified, characterized by each side's concerted efforts to disrupt the other's growth and sway in the crucible of Central Asia, while Washington plays its intricate game from afar. China, as a principal beneficiary of globalization policies, has sought to extend its reach through the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, India has remained a formidable obstacle to Beijing's overland expansion, consistently obstructing its grand designs. Compounding these tensions, China views India's participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue mechanism, alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, as a thinly veiled conspiracy to impede its ascent as a global power. In this study, we delve into the intricate complexities of the Kashmir issue, illuminating its historical roots and contemporary ramifications. Furthermore, we elucidate China's strategic alliance with Pakistan, unveiling India's multifaceted response within the framework of a perpetual "challenge and response" paradigm. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to shed light on the intricate interplay of geopolitical forces shaping the region's volatile dynamics.