China’s Belt and Road Deepens South Asia Debt Dependence

The Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, is facing increasing threats from extreme weather events such as flash floods, landslides, and erratic rainfall, which are severely impacting human lives, agriculture, and infrastructure. Dr. Farooq Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity to ensure a resilient future for the region. In the broader South Asian context, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has significantly deepened its economic and political influence in countries like Bangladesh through substantial infrastructure financing, raising concerns about debt dependency and strategic dominance. Water resource management along Himalayan rivers is a critical point of contention between India and China, with India pursuing cooperative frameworks and hydropower development, while China asserts control through upstream dam-building, highlighting a rivalry with implications for global resource security. Meanwhile, India’s status as an alternative manufacturing hub to China has been disrupted by President Trump’s imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, which has unsettled American investments and altered economic dynamics. These developments collectively illustrate the complex interplay of environmental challenges, geopolitical strategies, and economic policies shaping South Asia’s future.