NEW MARITIME SILK ROUTE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIA

Although the New Maritime Silk Route (MSR) proposal is an innovative idea which aims to create opportunities and bring peace and stability in Asia-Pacific Region, it is designed to improve China's geostrategic position in the world. In order to consolidate its economic and political posture in the region, extricate itself from the Malacca dilemma and secure its Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) the MSR project is viewed by China as an important strategic tool. For India, the entire proposal has to be seen in the context of its national interest. As India's relation with China has never been hunky-dory, the entry of China in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will prove detrimental. Despite the China's claim of using Maritime Silk Route as a diplomatic artery between China and its neighbours for strengthening regional connectivity, the unstated and underlying strategic objectives of this project raise questions about Chinese intentions. No doubt that 'Make in India' and 'Start up India' like initiatives launched by present NDA Government will get boost if India joins the MSR project, but at the same time it will have strategic compulsions that India will never wish to compromise with. The fact that China is promoting two corridors (continental and MSR) as part of its evolving regional geostrategy and that 'India lies on both the Maritime Silk Route and the Southern Silk Route' poses both opportunities as well as challenges for India. The present paper discusses these opportunities that the proposed Maritime Silk Route will offer and the challenges, it will pose to India.