India’s Foreign Policy and China-India Economic and Strategic Competition in the Indo-Pacific Region: The Strategic Update

This chapter concentrated on (1) identifying the nature and channels of influence of China’s economic statecraft in South Asia and (2) India’s strategic competition both in terms of policies of competition with China in the Indo-Pacific Region but also policies towards smaller neighbours who might be considering deeper economic ties and strategic concessions to China. The relevant theories were discussed in this context and the opinion of the author. The theory of geoeconomics, Modelski’s hegemonic cycles, and transition power theory introduced by Abramo Fimo Kenneth Organski and Jacek Kugler can highlight the key factors of the analysed topic India and China have their economic and political goals regarding the Indo-Pacific Region. The article also discussed how successful have India’s efforts been and the trajectory for the future of Sino-Indian geoeconomics competition in South Asia, so the novelty work was undertaken it this case in the light of multiple studies in this subject. To become a leading power in the Indo-Pacific Region, India will need to establish multilateral affiliations, especially with Australia and New Zealand, the Quadrilateral Framework (QAUD), BRICS, the G20 and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to face China’s power.