Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port is located in India’s southern region.
New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated in recent days. However, there is another threat that is not on the battlefield. This threat is economic and is gradually increasing. China’s ‘debt trap’ strategy is encircling India. This strategy has been developed through large-scale loans and infrastructure deals in South Asia. It is now being activated.
Through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India’s neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bangladesh are caught in Chinese money, influence, and obligations. The impact is now visible.
“There is chaos in Bangladesh. Out of 8 economies in South Asia, 5 have fallen. Pakistan is supporting China. Sri Lanka handed over the Hambantota port to China for 99 years after being unable to service its debt. Nepal, the Maldives, and Bangladesh are also sinking into Chinese debt. Infrastructure funded by China could be used for surveillance and military purposes,” says renowned investor Rajesh Sahni in a post on X.
Over 70% of Pakistan’s bilateral debt is owed to China. This debt is due to the $65 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the current conflict, Pakistan is using Chinese drones, fighter jets, and missiles. The satellite intelligence and encrypted communications being used against India are with the help of China. When India sought help from the world, China defended Pakistan at the United Nations.
Sri Lanka has been unable to repay the debt taken from China. Therefore, it had to give the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years. This port is located in India’s southern region. Although this port seems to be for the general public, it can also be used for military purposes.
China is building infrastructure in Nepal. For this, China has lent Nepal a loan at a very high interest rate. Maldives has a debt of more than $1.3 billion and has leaned towards China.
China’s influence has also increased in Bangladesh. This is not just an economic influence. The ports, airstrips, and highways built by China can also be used by the military. In times of crisis, they can be used for surveillance, logistics, and naval operations.
