China Expands Debt Influence Around India, Supports Pakistan in Conflict

India and China remain central to Asia's shifting power dynamics, characterized by a complex rivalry rooted in historical conflicts like the 1962 Sino-Indian War and strategic competition that includes border disputes and regional influence. Concurrently, India faces renewed hostilities with Pakistan, exemplified by military operations such as India's Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's retaliatory measures, with Indian leadership adopting a muscular nationalist stance that heightens regional tensions. China's strategic ambitions extend beyond Asia into Latin America through its Belt and Road Initiative, controlling key ports and logistics chains to expand economic influence and potentially challenge U.S. interests. Additionally, China’s “ring of debt” strategy in South Asia leverages infrastructure loans to increase influence over India's neighbors, creating economic dependencies that could be activated against India in geopolitical conflicts. This includes military support to Pakistan and control of strategic ports, enhancing China's capacity for regional dominance and encirclement of India. Together, these developments illustrate a multi-dimensional contest for regional and global influence involving military, economic, and diplomatic arenas.