Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
What’s the future for the economically devastated neighbors?
Three of India’s neighboring countries have been facing economic and political turmoil for some time now.
A massive economic crisis has hit Sri Lanka, depriving the citizens of food, water and even basic necessities.
Covid and a turbulent political situation have trapped Nepal too.The question is, will the nearest neighbor face Sri Lanka-like crisis soon? Inevitable, but hope not.
Then comes Pakistan.Even though the political disorder has been settled, the financial chaos remains unsettled.
Moving to Africa,the ‘Mother continent.China has been spearheading massive infrastructure development projects across the continent in the name of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The East Asian country has been carrying out encroachment activities in Nepal to attack India.
While tricked Pakistan and Sri Lanka into a debt trap, turning them against India.
“Once a country is weighed down by Chinese loans, like a hapless gambler who borrows from the Mafia,it is Beijing’s puppet and in danger of losing a limb,says a report by The Atlantic.That’s what is happening with India’s neighbouring countries.
China succeeded in branding the activity as internationalization.
Before the pandemic,there were reports that China had annexed over 150 hectares of land, gaining easy access to India.
The existing India-Nepal border dispute is being fuelled to turn Nepal against India.
China has expressed interest in Sri Lanka with what they call an ‘economic game changer’.
They are building a high-tech city in Colombo Port City with a promise to change Sri Lanka’s picture in the global infrastructure map.
The project is expected to be completed in 25 years. But many argue that the port will eventually be handed over to China, giving the East Asian country more hold over Sri Lanka.
In fact,the government had to hand over Hambantota,a deepwater port,to China after failing to pay off the debt.
This is precisely what debt trap is all about.Sri Lanka may even let go of many areas and prestigious projects to safeguard its economy from the current economic chaos.
Pakistan and China have maintained good relations for years.While India and the west turned against Pak’s pro-terrorist approach and pro-Taliban approach,China has supported the Islamic country like a friend.Currently,Pakistan is reeling under a financial crisis,which could explode at any time.
Africa is known for its mineral riches, resources and heritage.But logistics and trade supply were nightmares for those who went into business.
For long,suitable infrastructure remained an unlikely dream for Africans.China invaded the land,exploiting the resources and establishing autonomy in oil export and infrastructure development.There are major infra projects underway in Africa.
China’s approach has been simple.Turn neighboring countries against India and disengage diplomatic ties between Africa and India.
Unfortunately,the governments fall for the propositions, and the citizens pay the price.The country has made humongous investments in target regions.
Sino-imperialism is transforming China’s treasury. But what is the future of the countries that fall for the offers? India’s security system may save the borders. But is that enough?.
