Current Context: Recently, China hosted the first trilateral dialogue with Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kunming, marking its deepening strategic influence in South Asia.

ABOUT THE MEETING:

• Genesis & Purpose: Follow-up to China–Pakistan–Afghanistan dialogue; aimed to build a “working group” for cooperation.
• Strategic Concern: Reflects Beijing’s strategy of cultivating a ring of aligned states around India.
• India’s Key Concerns:
  • Expansion of BRI (e.g., CPEC through PoK, potential new ports in Bangladesh).
  • “String of Pearls” maritime policy potentially encircling India.
  • Parallel regionalism might undercut India-led forums like BIMSTEC.
  • Undermines India’s Neighbourhood First policy—China filling regional leadership gaps.