CPEC Extension to Afghanistan: Strategic Concerns for India

On 21st May 2025, China and Pakistan formally agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.

The move marks a major strategic development in the region and has sparked strong opposition from India due to sovereignty, security and connectivity concerns.

Concern	Details
Regional Convergence	The expansion marks the first major regional convergence between Taliban-led Afghanistan and Pakistan under China’s wider connectivity framework.
Strategic Encirclement	The deepening China-Pakistan-Afghanistan alignment is viewed as a possible attempt to encircle India diplomatically and strategically.
Security Concerns	India has raised concerns that expansion with Taliban consent could legitimise security threats and strengthen cross-border terror infrastructure in the region.
Sovereignty Concerns	CPEC already passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and its expansion into Afghanistan may widen challenges to India’s territorial claims and diplomatic position.
Chinese Regional Footprint	The move signals a wider Chinese connectivity and strategic footprint across India’s neighbourhood, including stronger diplomatic and military posturing.
Connectivity Loss for India	The project may divert Afghan trade away from Indian-backed routes such as Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Why It Matters for India

The CPEC extension strengthens the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan axis and may reduce India’s strategic space in Afghanistan and Central Asia.

It also directly connects with India’s objections to CPEC through PoK, regional terrorism concerns and competition between Chinese-led corridors and Indian-backed connectivity routes.

PT Facts

CPEC: A flagship corridor under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
India’s Objection: India opposes CPEC because it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Chabahar Port: Strategically important for India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
INSTC: Links India with Iran, Central Asia, Russia and Europe through a multi-modal route.
UPSC Relevance: Important for India-China-Pakistan relations, Afghanistan policy, regional connectivity and sovereignty concerns.

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