US –China Rivalry Its Implications For India And Pakistan

Abstract

The growing competition between the United States and China has greatly redefined the strategy of South Asia especially in the context of India and Pakistan. This paper reviews the concept of great power competition, its effects on local politics, security alliances, and economic relations, using India and Pakistan as the examples of such countries. The US has grown stronger in its strategic relationship with India in terms of defense integration, economic integration, and mutual interests in regarding the Chinese regional interests and Indo-Pacific in particular. On the contrary, China has strengthened its strategic and economic relations with Pakistan, the most significant of which has been the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor, strengthening the role of Pakistan as a partner in the regional strategy of Beijing. The study examines the influence of these alignments on the regional stability, nuclear deterrence and diplomatic relations in South Asia. It also examines how India and Pakistan use their respective alliances to pursue national interests whilst running the risk of escalation and dependence.