In the present times, when the world political arena has become as complex as a dense jungle, India is surrounded by the conspiracies of its neighbors. A recent report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) states that Pakistan considers India as a threat to its existence, while India considers China as its main rival. Meanwhile, China’s maneuvering has further increased India’s security challenges by brokering an agreement between Pakistan and the Taliban government of Afghanistan.
China’s Conspiracy: Pakistan resorts to disarmament
China, which remains the main player in Asia’s political chess, is fully prepared to check India’s growing global power. According to the US report, Pakistan is receiving large-scale military and financial assistance from China. This includes JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, HQ-9 air defense systems, and nuclear capability-enhancing weapons. Pakistan is acquiring materials for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) through countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. These materials are being used to strengthen its nuclear and missile programs. This assistance from China is not just to increase Pakistan’s military capability, but also to undermine India’s conventional military superiority. Pakistan, which considers India a threat to its existence, is developing nuclear weapons on a war footing with China’s help. This situation is a big challenge for India, as the twin strategies of China and Pakistan have put India’s security at risk.
China’s maneuvering in the Pakistan-Afghanistan agreement
China’s political game is not limited to Pakistan. It has also tried to take the Taliban government of Afghanistan under its wing. Recently, China convened a meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan in Beijing, as a result of which Afghanistan started cracking down on groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Under pressure from Pakistan, the Taliban arrested several members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban and refused to use Afghan soil against Pakistan. In return, Pakistan extended facilities to Afghan traders, such as removing the requirement of bank guarantees. This agreement is part of a larger Chinese conspiracy against India. India’s influence in Afghanistan, especially the Pahalgam attack and Taliban support for Operation Sindoor, had increased the concerns of China and Pakistan. China brought Pakistan and Afghanistan closer to prevent this, so as to weaken India’s power.
This situation poses a new security crisis for India, as Afghanistan, which was previously an ally of India, is now moving closer to Pakistan with the help of China.
What is India’s security policy
India has strengthened its indigenous defense industry under the ‘Made in India’ program. The successful test-firing of the Agni-1 Prime and Agni-V missiles in 2024 and the commissioning of a second nuclear-powered submarine have enhanced India’s nuclear triad capability. At the same time, India is taking steps like joint military exercises, sharing defense technology, and arms sales to counter China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. Increasing cooperation with the US, Russia, and other allies is a key part of India’s strategy. However, the US report is silent on India-US defense cooperation, which raises a question mark. India’s strong ties with Russia continue, but closeness with the US is also necessary to compete with China and Pakistan. According to reports, the US has not openly come to India’s aid.
Pakistan’s nuclear and terrorist challenge
The main focus of Pakistan’s security policy is to see India as a threat. According to the US report, Pakistan will continue to modernize its nuclear weapons, which includes warhead-grade nuclear weapons. This policy of Pakistan is a threat to India. Operation Sindoor, in which India carried out missile strikes on terrorist structures in Pakistan and PoK, sent a strong message to Pakistan. A temporary ceasefire was reached after the exchange of missiles, drones, and artillery from 7 to 10 May 2025, but Pakistan’s border clashes are likely to continue. Therefore, India has maintained high vigil on the Line of Control. Indian strategic experts say that it is necessary to develop indigenous weapons and technology by further accelerating the ‘Made in India’ program. Projects like Agni-V and nuclear submarines are examples of this. It is necessary for India to increase defense cooperation with the US, Russia, and other allied countries. India can check China’s influence by cooperating with the US in the Quad and other forums. India will have to increase its political and economic presence in Afghanistan, so that the conspiracy of China and Pakistan can be thwarted.
