China's Rising Influence in South Asia through Belt and Road Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges

Due to its geopolitical location and economic opportunities, South Asia, a linchpin for international powers competition, has emerged as a new arena for regional politics, as well as intra-regional conflict. Despite being the most populated region, it is least integrated, with almost 24.6% of its population living below the international poverty line. The study will explore the reasons for the lack of intra-regional integration and the socio-economic problems of the region. With China's increasing influence in the region, what economic, social, and strategic opportunities and challenges will emerge? Is Belt and Road Initiative a prospective solution for unity and integration of the region, something it has been lacking for years because of Indian domination of the decision-making of small countries? The study concludes that the initiative will provide economic growth, prosperity, and employment opportunities, however, India’s action in partnership with the United States of America to disrupt the Belt and Road Initiative poses a huge challenge. The potential benefits will drive anti-Belt and Road Initiative countries to adopt an accommodating approach. The article will primarily focus on four regional countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Maldives.