Article Details
  • 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
Volume 20, Issue 2, April-June 2026
China’s South Asia Policy: Geopolitical Overtures in India’s Immediate Neighborhood
Abstract

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.

Introduction

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.