Volume-XI, Issue-II, March 2025 |
Strategic Rivalry and Regional Dynamics : The Role of China in Shaping India's Neighbourhood Policy Bisakha Baidya, Sact-1, Department of Political Science(B.Ed), Uluberia College , Howrah, West Bengal ,India. |
Received: 29.03.2025 | Accepted: 30.03.2025 | Published Online: 31.03.2025 | Page No: 406-413 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.11.issue.02W.039 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
India's neighbourhood policy has changed as a result of the strategic rivalry between China and India, which has had a major impact on the regional dynamics of South Asia. India's long-standing supremacy in the area is under threat from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), infrastructural projects, and strengthening relations with South Asian countries including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. China has established itself as a powerful player through strategic alliances, economic diplomacy, and soft power, making it more difficult for India to retain its influence. With an emphasis on the case studies of significant nations like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan, this essay explores how China has influenced India's neighbourhood policy. It examines China's strategic moves, such as infrastructure development, military alliances, and debt-trap diplomacy, and how they affect India's economic clout, security, and position as a regional leader. India's responses, including the Act East Policy, the Neighbourhood First Policy, and maritime security actions, are also highlighted in the study. The results highlight the difficulties India confronts in containing China's expanding power, such as shifting regional allegiances, border disputes, and economic limitations. The report ends with suggestions on how India might improve its standing through more strategic alliances, soft power diplomacy, and economic investments. India can maintain its dominance in South Asia and successfully negotiate the competitive environment by tackling these issues. Keywords: Geopolitical competition, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Military expansion, Debt-trap diplomacy, Soft power strategies |