PYQ Relevance:[UPSC 2018] The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. Linkage: The Article state that China’s traditional strategy involves “building up Pakistan’s strategic and conventional capabilities through overt and covert help to counter India and keep it off-balance”. This question directly relates to the “China-Pakistan nexus” by focusing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). |
Mentor’s Comment: The Indian Army has officially confirmed what experts had long suspected, China directly helped Pakistan during Operation Sindoor (May 7–10), marking a major change in their military relationship. For the first time, China supported Pakistan in battle by sharing real-time surveillance data, using advanced weapons together, and spreading information online — all without openly escalating the conflict. This has turned the idea of a “two-front war” into a “one-front reinforced” war, where China backs Pakistan more closely in a real conflict. China’s support included high-tech weapons, cyber tools, and diplomatic moves at the UN, while avoiding any clear criticism of the Pahalgam terror attack. The use of Chinese-made fighter jets, drones, and air defence systems by Pakistan during the fighting is a game-changer and means India needs to rethink its defence strategy.
Today’s editorial analyses the China-Pakistan military collusion and its impact. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The new “one-front reinforced” threat is now real, not just an idea. India must now rethink how it defends itself, update its military equipment, and clearly show its strength to others.
What are the strategic implications of China-Pakistan military collusion for India’s security?
- Increased Security Threat from a “One-Front Reinforced War”: A conflict with Pakistan now includes covert Chinese support, transforming it into a hybrid front rather than a standalone battle. India must prepare for simultaneous pressure on both borders, diluting its strategic flexibility. Eg: During Operation Sindoor (May 2025), China provided real-time ISR support and surveillance data to Pakistan.
- Enhanced Pakistani Military Capabilities via Chinese Technology: Pakistan’s use of advanced Chinese weapons systems improves its operational effectiveness and battlefield confidence. This deepens strategic asymmetry and reduces India’s military advantage. Eg: Pakistan deployed Chinese J-10C fighters and HQ-9 air defence systems, guided by China’s BeiDou satellites, during active operations.
- Erosion of India’s Strategic Autonomy and Deterrence: Collusion undermines India’s ability to execute punitive strikes without risking escalation or Chinese interference. India must now calibrate its response to avoid wider regional destabilisation. Eg: China blocked India’s diplomatic push at the UNSC post-Pahalgam attack and echoed Pakistan’s narrative, limiting India’s international manoeuvring space.
How has China’s role in India-Pakistan conflicts evolved over time?
- From Passive Diplomatic Support to Active Collusion: In earlier conflicts (1965, 1971, Kargil 1999), China offered only diplomatic or symbolic support to Pakistan without direct involvement. Now, China is actively enhancing Pakistan’s battlefield capabilities through technology and real-time support. Eg: In Operation Sindoor (2025).
- Use of Advanced Defence and ISR Systems: China has moved from supplying basic military hardware to enabling operational interoperability and network-centric warfare. Chinese platforms are now tactically integrated into Pakistan’s military exercises and combat. Eg: Deployment of Chinese J-10C fighters, PL-15 missiles, and BeiDou navigation for missile guidance shows deeper integration.
- Strategic Messaging and Digital Warfare Support: China now also supports Pakistan via propaganda, perception warfare, and digital influence operations. It helps shape global narratives and reduces diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. Eg: Chinese media amplified Pakistan’s ISPR propaganda during Operation Sindoor and resisted India’s push at the UNSC, aligning with Pakistan’s narrative.
What is a “One-Front Reinforced War”?A “one-front reinforced war” refers to a conflict scenario where India fights on one primary front (e.g., against Pakistan), but this front is reinforced by active support from another adversary (e.g., China) without that second adversary being officially at war. Why is the “one-front reinforced war” concept critical for India’s defence strategy?
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How should India respond to rising two-front challenges amid declining defence spending?
- Increase Defence Allocation and Modernise Capabilities: India must reverse the decline in defence expenditure (from 17.1% of central spending in 2014-15 to 13% in 2025-26) and invest in next-generation warfare capabilities. This includes drones, AI-enabled surveillance, cyber defence, and network-centric warfare systems.
- Adopt Asymmetric and Unpredictable Response Strategies: India should avoid predictable retaliation and adopt multi-domain deterrence, including economic, cyber, and covert measures. Eg: Strategic reconsideration of agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, economic sanctions on critical Chinese firms, or calibrated cyber operations.
- Institutional and Diplomatic Realignment: India needs to bolster its international alliances and ensure seamless coordination between the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and foreign policy apparatus. Eg: Deepening defence ties with the Quad members, France, and Israel for intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and technology transfer.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Integrated Defence Capabilities: India must invest in network-centric warfare, ISR systems, drone technologies, and joint-force interoperability to counter a reinforced adversary. Enhancing real-time battlefield awareness and communication across services is key.
- Recalibrate Strategic and Diplomatic Posture: India should link China’s strategic collusion with Pakistan to its bilateral ties, signalling consequences for such behaviour. Simultaneously, boost alliances like QUAD, and explore unpublicised retaliatory options (e.g., Indus Waters Treaty leverage) to deter future collusion.
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