China’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Indian Anxiety: An analysis

Abstract

The present study analyzes Indian anxiety over Chinese mounting influence in the Indian Ocean Region particularly progressive activities of China’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Silk Road Economic Belt. The study deeply observes the reasons for Indian anxiety and misunderstanding on China’s Belt and Road Initiative especially the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The study also argues that worldwide support exposed China’s BRI importance in the regional socio-economic connectivity. However, India is the largest country in South Asia and has a strategic influence in the Indian Ocean. It plays an important role in other South Asian countries except for Pakistan in terms of economy, military and diplomacy. India’s attitude is very crucial for China’s BRI, especially the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, as being a most important neighbour of China regarding its economy and military magnitudes.