Published Online:April 2026
Product Name:The IUP Journal of International Relations
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJIR010426
DOI:10.71329/IUPJIR/2026.20.2.7-37
Author Name:Madan Yadav
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Arts and Humanities
Download Format:PDF
Pages:7-37
The paper critically examines China’s evolving geopolitical strategy in South Asia and its implications for regional stability, power dynamics, and India’s strategic interests. It analyzes the key instruments of Chinese foreign policy, particularly the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), military diplomacy, soft power diplomacy and bilateral relations with countries of South Asia and their critical views on the geopolitical environment of South Asia and the regional policies of China. During Indian military’s “Operation Sindoor” in 2025, global media reported that China strategically favored Pakistan against India. This underscores the need for India to be more active in terms of multilateral relations and create global and regional discourses on strategic sovereignty and sustainability to counter China.
The geopolitical landscape of South Asia is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by intensifying regional rivalries and evolving power dynamics. Historically shaped by India’s dominant position in the region, South Asia is now witnessing the assertive rise of China as a formidable external actor.