The definition of "globalization" that most fits this notion is "global interconnection," which is made possible by regional connectivity. The growth of communication networks between two or more states, as well as within a state's borders, enables regional connectedness in turn. In conclusion, interconnection, which is attained worldwide, "Widening, Deepening and Speeding" of communication, is the essence of globalization. The entire process further merges the political, economic, and social spheres of the world. Overall, the process can be thought of as "time and space compression," where physical distances are maintained but compressed by the development of motorways, corridors, and trains.
One such project that would initially promote connectivity between China and Pakistan but has plans and potential for regional integration within South Asia and areas of Central and West Asia is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), although it was first conceived a decade earlier but was formally formalized into a treaty in 2014. According to British geographer Halford John Mackinder, who discussed geographic pivots and heartlands in his well-known article "The Geographical Pivot of History," Pakistan's geopolitical position satisfies the definition of a geographic pivot because it serves as a link between various Asian regions both politically and economically.
India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and West Asia would be integrated by the CPEC once it is fully built out as part of China's "One Belt, One Road" policy. Other South Asian nations will profit directly and indirectly from the CPEC through India. These nations' economies would be linked to the rest of Asia's economy as well as to the global economy. India is well aware of this fact, but it opposes the CPEC concept primarily due to its hostility and rivalry with Pakistan and China.
The Karakorum Highway (KKH), built over challenging and extremely high altitude terrain by Pakistan and China in the 1970s through 1980s, is continued and expanded by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The same KKH will be elevated to the level of a corridor as part of the CPEC. India believes that Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), which is a component of the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir, has the right to economic development and expansion.
The chances for the economic and sociopolitical growth of the GB and other areas, which have so far remained backward, will be greatly improved by the CPEC. Why should India resist the establishment of a neighborhood or region simply because it has illegally occupied a sizable chunk of Jammu and Kashmir?
If India is so concerned about its disputed status, then it should take action to address the issue through UN resolutions and the demands of the Kashmiri people. India should take the lead in problem-solving and work to advance regional integration as a significant regional nation. Otherwise, the assertions made by Indian officials are contradictory. "India has no concern regarding the construction of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor since an economically robust Pakistan will bring stability to the region," the Indian High Commission to Pakistan stated.
"Government has noticed information with relation to China and Pakistan being active in infrastructure building activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), including the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," said Sushma Swaraj, India's Minister of External Affairs. China has been instructed to stop its efforts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the government expressed its worries over them.
India must change the way it views regional and international issues by viewing them through the lens of regional integration and prosperity rather than through the prism of rivalry and hostility. India, a major economy, will profit most from CPEC's increased regional integration and economic development, which will be to everyone's benefit. India shouldn't have any justification for opposing the CPEC by political comments and encouraging terrorism along the path of the CPEC if it can request a transit trade route for its commercial links with Central Asia through Afghanistan and is a member of TAPI. On the other hand, Pakistan has established a security section for the CPEC's physical security.
Iran should be added as a CPEC stakeholder in addition to India. China and Iran reached an economic agreement in January 2016. Given that 70% of China's oil imports come from either Iran or other West Asian or African nations, all of which transit through the Strait of Hormuz. China, Asia's largest energy consumer, and India, the second-largest consumer in the region, both benefit from Iran's enormous hydrocarbon resources.
The CPEC will be the most suitable path as an energy corridor for the IP gas pipeline, which has the potential to be further expanded to China. In addition to Iran, Central Asian countries have vast potential and reserves that might contribute to sales on global markets; China and India are the countries that require energy the most.
In fact, CPEC is a project that would serve as the catalyst for long-term regional integration in South Asia and other parts of Asia rather than between Pakistan and China. This is only conceivable when both the energy-efficient and energy-deficient states in the region accurately reassess their future priorities. A well-planned and deliberated economic integration would pave the way for a higher degree of political integration and social prosperity; this would be a step toward problem-solving and the eradication of the present mistrust among neighbors in greater Asia.
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