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In today’s rapidly evolving As stated earlier, China’s increasing influence in South Asia is seen as part of a broader strategy to undermine India’s traditional leadership role in the region. Therefore, in response to China’s maneuvering, India has adopted several countermeasures. A key part of this strategy has been the Act East Policy, which aims to deepen India’s engagement with Southeast Asian countries. This policy builds on India’s historic ties with the region, promoting economic integration, defense cooperation, and strategic alliances to counterbalance China’s influence. Partnerships with ASEAN countries and improved connectivity with Myanmar and Thailand are all part of this broader push.
As China extends its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and deepens its involvement in South and Southeast Asia, India’s Act East Policy seeks to balance this by enhancing connectivity, trade, and defense cooperation. This policy is particularly crucial for India’s northeastern region, including Nagaland, where infrastructure development and economic integration with neighboring Southeast Asian nations act as a strategic buffer against China’s influence.
Through initiatives such as improving road and rail links, boosting trade through land and sea routes, and participating in multilateral forums like the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit, India aims to counter China’s geopolitical and economic clout, promoting its own vision of regional stability and open seas. India has also prioritized relationships with countries bordering China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent visits to nations like Japan, Vietnam, Mongolia, and South Korea defines New Delhi’s efforts to counter China’s rise.
On the military front, India has significantly ramped up its naval presence in the Indian Ocean to protect its interests. Modernizing its naval capabilities, building new warships, and expanding its network of strategic bases across the region are all part of India’s long-term strategy to secure its maritime boundaries. India has also engaged in joint naval exercises with like-minded countries, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, under the Quad alliance, signaling a collective effort to counter China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s involvement in the Chabahar Port in Iran is another example of New Delhi’s effort to bypass China’s influence in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While China has invested heavily in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, India’s investment in Chabahar offers an alternative route for trade with Central Asia. Strengthening regional partnerships, expanding naval power, and forging economic alliances are all part of India’s grand strategy to counter China’s rising influence.
Yet, India’s approach is not without its limitations. China’s economic clout far exceeds that of India, allowing Beijing to outspend and outmaneuver New Delhi in some cases. Despite these challenges, India’s efforts to counterbalance China’s “String of Pearls” are an interesting board game of geopolitics. The geopolitical chess game between India and China is far from over. India is clearly positioning itself as a counterweight to China’s expanding presence. In hindsight, it appears that we are mere pawns in the geopolitical board game of these two giants.
“In ceremonies of the horsemen, even the pawn must hold a grudge.” – Bob Dylan