Paper Title
Should India Join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)? – A Critical Review
Abstract
China has been constructing 2442 km corridor starting from the Chinese border to Pakistan's Gwadar port on the
Arabian Sea named China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The critics in Pakistan have argued that China is investing
in the CPEC project to explore new vistas of trade with different countries from India to Central Asian states as well as
Europe. It strengthens their claims as China has inked $100 billion trade agreements with India last year. Lt. Gen Aamir
Riaz, a top Pakistani General has invited India to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying New Delhi should
“shun enmity” with Islamabad and jointly reap the benefit of the multi-billion dollar project. India has expressed concern
over the CPEC project that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). There is an endless demand for investment in
Pakistan, hence, to broaden the scope of investment, China should have an open mind about inviting third parties such as
Afghanistan, Iran and India as well as other major economies like Russia who may be ideal choices to take part in the CPEC.
Key Words- CPEC, Gwadar Port, Soft Border, PoK, Road Projects, Steel Plant, Afghanistan, Central Asia.