THE GEOPOLITICAL DYNAMICS OF THE CHINA-INDIA RIVALRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH ASIA'S STABILITY AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION (2020–2024)
Keywords:
China-India Rivalry, South Asia, Geopolitical Dynamics, Economic Integration, Border Disputes, Strategic Competition, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), SAARC, Regional Stability, Galwan Clash, Indian Ocean, U.S.-India Partnership, Political Uncertainty, Economic CooperationAbstract
The geopolitical rivalry between China and India has intensified, shaping the stability and economic prospects of South Asia. This study examines the dynamics of this rivalry from 2020 to 2024, focusing on its implications for regional stability and economic integration. Key issues, including border disputes, strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, and influence over smaller South Asian nations, are analyzed. The research highlights how the rivalry disrupts initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), hindering economic collaboration. Moreover, it explores the impact on regional security, particularly in the wake of events like the Galwan Valley clash and India's strategic partnerships with the U.S. The study concludes that mitigating tensions between China and India is essential for fostering economic integration and ensuring South Asia's stability, as their rivalry continues to create political and economic uncertainties in the region.
