China's Anxiety Over India's Border Development

Chinese scholars generally agree that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India has gradually shifted away from the 'scorched earth' defensive strategy to adopt a deterrence-oriented approach, prioritizing the vigorous development of border infrastructure.

- B.R. DEEPAK

Since Narendra Modi assumed office as India's Prime Minister in 2014, the Government of India has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the country's border infrastructure. This shift represents a strategic transformation from previous defense policies, which primarily focused on deterrence and reactive measures. The development of border infrastructure aims to counter China's rapid expansion along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and strengthen India's territorial security. Additionally, it plays a vital role in improving connectivity, fostering regional development, and enhancing military preparedness. Beijing has frequently expressed opposition to India's infrastructure projects along the LAC, viewing them as a challenge to its territorial claims and strategic advantage. The following analysis is based on articles authored by Chinese scholars, offering insight into China's perspective on India's border development efforts.

One, Chinese scholars generally agree that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India has gradually shifted away from the "scorched earth" defensive strategy ("坚壁清野"防御战略) that it had implemented in its border regions since 1962. Instead, India has adopted a deterrence-oriented approach, prioritizing the vigorous development of border infrastructure.

Duan Bin, an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Human and Environmental Studies of the Tibetan Plateau, Lanzhou University, argues that "India's border infrastructure development has entered a transformative phase, characterized by strategic foresight, substantial financial investments, and the adoption of innovative technologies." This shift, he suggests, reflects a nuanced understanding of the deep interconnection between national security and economic growth.