THE TRIANGULAR TANGO: PAKISTAN-CHINA RELATIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON INDIA (1947-2018)

Abstract

Following their independence in 1947, Pakistan and China forged a complex relationship driven by shared concerns against India. Initially marked by Cold War alignments and border tensions, the alliance deepened in the 1960s with the Sino-Indian War and Pakistan's disillusionment with the US. This "ironclad friendship" manifested in extensive military cooperation, diplomatic support, and significant Chinese economic investment in Pakistan, particularly after the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. For India, this growing closeness between its neighbors was a strategic nightmare. Pakistan's military capabilities, bolstered by China, significantly altered the regional balance of power. Additionally, Chinese involvement in sensitive projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its potential implications for Kashmir further heightened Indian anxieties. This complex interplay of cooperation, competition, and distrust continued to define the triangular relationship between 1947 and 2018, shaping the security landscape and regional dynamics of South Asia. Therefore, this research comprehensively analyze the evolution of Pakistan-China relations from 1947 to 2018, focusing on the major political, economic, and military factors that shaped this dynamic and its subsequent impact on India.