Politics of Sub-regionalism and China’s influence in South Asia: Analyzing India’s Policy Options

The desire to avoid Pakistan in regional forums and pursue the Act East Policy (AEP) has been the driving force behind India’s bend toward sub-regionalism. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation and Bangladesh–Bhutan–India–Nepal underscore the idea of a positive-sum game through their intensification of trade and economic networks. Although the same holds true for BCIM, the presence of China and its claims over certain parts of India’s northeastern region have made New Delhi circumspect about its payoffs and dividends. Moreover, the geopolitical ramifications of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have exacerbated the fear of Chinese dominance of South Asia in Indian diplomacy. With an endeavor to counter China’s ascendancy in the region, alongside toeing a path of beneficial bilateralism, India has provided unilateral concessions and humanitarian aid to the weaker economies of South Asia. On the other hand, India’s approach toward Beijing has always been cautious and measured. Despite engaging in bilateral trade, protecting its territorial sovereignty against possible Chinese incursions has been prioritized by New Delhi. Hence, the article argues that India remains a significant player in South Asia. Pragmatism and maintaining its strategic autonomy remain the cornerstones of its diplomacy.