Why is India opposing the Belt and Road and Initiative? How are China’s rival nations countering the BRI strategy?

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the most ambitious project of China and arguably one of the most ambitious global infrastructure projects ever envisaged by a country. It aims to build trade, investment and infrastructure networks across Asia, Africa and Europe.

Why India oppose BRI:

• Main reason for India rejecting the BRI is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and severely infringes on India’s sovereignty.
• China is using BRI to strengthen its influence over countries in both eastern and western hemisphere.
• Poor governance and instability.
• Majority of jobs and contracts given to Chinese firms.
• Debt trap diplomacy of China.
• Lack of transparency.
• Strings of pearl strategy of China to encircle India and enlarge its military presence in Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and IOR.
• Border issues with china on both east and west front

How is India countering BRI:

• Project Mausam – improving communication links with countries of Indian Ocean.
• Sagarmala Project – port-led infrastructure and connectivity.
• Chabahar port – India’s access to Iran, Afghanistan and central Asia.
• International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Building naval ports across Indian ocean countries like Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• Act east policy.
• QUAD