International Connectivity Initiatives by China and India: For the Developing Countries

Abstract

China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) has prompted the emergence of alternate regional connectivity projects such as the Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC). The emergence of alternative projects has been driven by both strategic and economic considerations. The article contrasts OBOR and AAGC and assesses the initiatives’ likely contribution towards promoting the larger goal of economic development and stability across developing countries in Asia and Africa. While the developing countries have the choice of integrating with the projects under either or both the initiatives, the participating countries need to weigh economic and strategic benefits and challenges so that the achievement of country-level developmental goals can be fostered.