INDIAN INVOLVEMENT IN BALOCHISTAN IMPLICATIONS FOR CPEC

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2022(VII-IV).03      10.31703/gpr.2022(VII-IV).03      Published : Dec 2022
Authored by : Muhammad Ahsan Abbas , Fakhara Shahid , Saira Iqbal

03 Pages : 15-24

    Abstrict

    The current research article has shed light on the Baloch insurgency which has created many untoward conditions for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The role of world actors in propagation of adverse conditions in the Baloch region has also been meticulously analyzed. The focus of the research is laid on the role of India that supports insurgency in Balochistan. It has been discussed with concrete evidence that India has been meddling in Baloch territory. It wants to pursue certain political gains by scattering influence beyond its jurisdiction. The development of CPEC is perceived as a threat by India so it wants to hamper CPEC as well as the growing Chinese influence in the region. The researcher has found various causes of insurgency in Balochistan, which have been discussed with logical explanations.

    Keywords

    India, Balochistan, CPEC

    Introduction

    Balochistan, in terms of area is the largest province of Pakistan. It since the inception of Pakistan has been exposed to endless conflicts and turmoil from both inside and outside forces. Balochistan has a very grave and unpleasant ties with the center. The political leaders of Balochistan felt themselves alienated and neglected. They wanted autonomy of the natural resources of the province and their demand for freedom echoed very loud. However, the dispute continues still even though five times insurgencies have occurred in Balochistan. The neighbor powers have been playing a dangerous role in increasing the intensity of terror and promoting hostility among the Baloch nationalists against the state. Amidst such conditions vicious countries have left no stone unturned to exploit the situation and own Baloch rebels to further deteriorate the circumstances of the province.  In the history of Balochistan so far five vigorous insurgencies are witnessed. The acts of insurgencies are fatal not only to the political, social and economic sphere of life but to the stability and peace of the region. The factors behind such ruthless and inhumane actions are both internal and external. The situation in Balochistan is not favorable. There are many forces that work covertly to create a state of fear and terror. The common people are killed for no reason. Terrorists target people to hamper economic growth and stability in the region (Afzal, 2018). 

     The interests of various world communities compel them to involve and interfere in Balochistan. Among the world actors whose involvement have been put forth through various reports and other trustworthy sources are America, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and most importantly India. Question is that why these powers of the world are interested in Balochistan? Its answer lies in the rich natural resources such as gold, natural gas, coal and other vital minerals in the barren and rocky land of Balochistan. To achieve their ends, they promote terrorism and create hostile circumstances to exterminate peace and generate an air of fear and suffocation. However, giving patronage to the Baloch rebel and freedom fighters is not the goal of these mischievous actors rather furtherance of own vested interests is the vital aim of the world powers (Wolf, 2016). 

    The mega project aims at boosting 

    Pakistan's economy, infrastructure, solution of the energy crisis by collective efforts of Pakistan and chinse governments in the form of CPEC is a great blow to Indian influence in the region. India fears its economy will grow weak and Pakistan will rapidly achieve progress on economic, social and political fronts. Therefore, India wants to hamper CPEC through violating peace in Baluchistan and creating unfavorable situations. It also does not like the growing influence of china specially in South Asia and the world in general.     

    This specific paper focuses and analysis the prevailing insurgency in Baluchistan with meticulous reference to Indian involvement. Indian from the very old times has been playing the part of antagonist against Pakistan at every front. In the same way, Baluchistan's worsening conditions can be attributed to a greater extent on the Indian part. The causes which lead India to promote a culture of fight and guerrilla wars in Baluchistan against the state or civilians are not one sided. In fact, Hindustan with a desire to put Pakistan into deep pits of terror and political chaos intends to hamper human progress and economic development in the region in specific and Pakistan in general. The development of CPEC is a great setback for India. In addition to this, India help Baloch separatist with money, and weapons and provide them shelter. It is proved when India launched Baloch Freedom Movement in Delhi. The support to insurgent groups is asserted by India. The motive of India behind supporting insurgent groups is to destroy the peace of the region and seek hegemony. However, despite continuous efforts India's dream of seeking a hegemonic position has not come true. This, research article discover that what are the major factors which violate peace in Baluchistan, their consequences on the development of CPEC possible prospects for the region. The theory of Classical Realism has been applied to explain the Indian role in Baluchistan which does not   conform to ethical values. The sole purpose of the Indian state is to acquire power and influence other states by its dint. The moral values are discarded by them as Morgenthau has delineated in his theory (Zaheer, 2021). 

    Review of the Literature

    Baluchistan is the least populated province of Pakistan and the largest in terms of area. In Baluchistan, various ethnic groups dwell so there is great diversity. The state and Baluchistan have not much cordial relations since the birth of Pakistan. Abdul Rauf Iqbal (2012) has delineated that Baloch political leaders strived for the autonomy of the province and sardars (feudal lords) wanted common masses to remain in their clutches so the atmosphere of chaos was promoted. It has been revealed that the main reason behind the Baloch rebellion was the conflict over the resources of the province. However, the behavior of the state fore-shadow sense of alienation among Baloch Nationalists therefore they turned to rebellion. Thus, the history of Baluchistan is replete with bloody insurgencies which have caused bloodbath and very distorting conditions in the province. The deputation of the military further aggravated the circumstances and added to the turmoil of the state. In addition to domestic unrest, foreign powers have played an active role in worsening the situation. India has been showing evil intentions by showing up her presence in Baluchistan territory. It has certain vicious ends to achieve that is why her role in supporting and training fighters is to create an atmosphere of terror and instability. The motive behind such Interference is to seek hegemony in the region.

    Yunas Samad has explicitly shown the reasons that led Baluchistan insurgency in his article 'understanding the Insurgency in Baluchistan' (2016). According to this article there are internal as well as external reason which caused this mayhem state of destabilization in the country. As the state did not fulfilled the promise of giving absolute autonomy to the provincial government of the natural resources and its management so a feeling of hatred developed among the ruling feudal lords. Those leaders incited people to wage a fight against the state to seek liberty from the enforced amalgam of the province with the state. The other most striking cause of the insurgency was the attitude of the state with Bugati and Mengal tribes who have been an adversary to the government policies. They wanted absolute autonomy and a good share of native resources which were taken by the state without offering the least share to the native people. Thus, vigorous fights against various ethnic groups erupted in the province and many casualties have taken place. The fight was not only directed to the army but to the civilians as well. Another, factor that have played a pivotal role in promoting insurgency in Baluchistan and funding Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) is India. India to hamper the economic sphere of Pakistan and assume dominating rule in South Asia has backed Baloch rebels. The construction of Gwadar Port and the deepening ties of Pakistan with China are thorns in Indian eyes. Thus, Indian have been intervening in the area now and then to disrupt the peace. The recent violation in the form of Kalboshan Yadav is the standing evidence against Indian rule as an agent of terror and sectarian violence in the province.

    The involvement of Indian in Baluchistan is not hidden anymore. Indian has time and again tried to defame and damage the mega project of CPEC by divulging anti Pakistan propaganda. The Indian patronage to Baloch insurgents is extremely harmful for the development of the province. The moves of India have promoted feelings of hatred in the Baloch people against Pakistan. Waqar Ahmed writes that Indian opened the 'Free Baluchistan Office' in their city Delhi which is lucid proof against the Indian support to the insurgents of Balochistan.  Moreover, the Indian arranged Hind Baluchistan Forum to see how it can play a part in the Balochistan liberation movement. It is evident that India is covertly and overtly support Baloch insurgents and spread anti Pakistan sentiments among the province. The Baloch leaders of Separatist leaders often visit New Dehli and Kabul where they are taken good care of and plan strategies to target civilians as well as state officials. The main Indian motive behind supporting them is to create an atmosphere of unrest to hinder the progress of CPEC. Furthermore, if the situations remain unfavorable then India will be able to project a bad image of Pakistan on the international fronts. Additionally, India does not like the progress of Balochistan because if life standard improves there then they are like to integrate with the state leaving no chance for India's noxious schemes succeed 

    Naveed Aman Khan (2018) writes that CPEC should not treat Balochistan as step mother. Balochistan province is in dire need of an economic lifeline. More than 72% inhabitants of this province live below the poverty line. Education the province is in decline, health sector also depicts a very gloomy picture. The anger among Baloch is brewing that they are not given benefits of the game changer project even though Balochistan is the hub of the CPEC. Natural gas was discovered in Sui but still vast parts of Balochistan are lacking in facility of gas. The native people of Balochistan are afraid again that Gwadar Port will also be utilized to provide lucrative benefits to the other province. If this happens then out of rage and injustice meted out to Balochistan they have only one option to take arms against the state. The insurgent’s movements in Balochistan are associated with the deprivation of basic requirements of life and underdevelopment. However, threats of civil work lurk if Balochistan does not get proper share of the mega project in the region. In Balochistan various groups are involved in the activities of terrorism. They are the Balochistan liberation army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Republican army (BRA). The government needs to take measures to bring fighters in the national fold by addressing their legal demands.

    The conflict in Balochistan is very old. The reasons of conflict are political, social and economic. The recent tense situations in Balochistan are due to unpleasant ties between the government and militants residing in the province. Balochistan is home to various ethnic communities and different religious groups. Sunni and Shia form most of the dwellers. Moreover, Balochistan own many natural resources such as gold, iron, gas, marble and so on. However, despite having many natural resources that add to the economy of the country Baloch enjoy the least shares of the resources. The feelings of hatred are further augmented among the tribes by the presence of agencies and military control in the urban as well as ruler areas. In the province operate various terrorist groups such as Tehreek-e- Taliban, Al Qaeda.

    The involvement of the Indian secret agency RAW (Research Analysis Wing) has also been closely playing role in deteriorating peace and stability in the region. In this way terror is spread in the province so that these forces can accomplish their vicious goals. CPEC can alter and boost the socio-economic situation of the country but various terrorist organizations and Indian agencies want to sabotage the peace and mega project that is intended to bring positive change in the province 

    Insurgent activities in Balochistan seem in stoppable. In 2017 during the reign of Pakistan Muslim League N many shocking acts of terrorism took to play. A group of workers was attacked who were working on the Gwadar project, military cops were assaulted and two chinses citizen were kidnapped in the daytime. This kind of attacks are big threats to the future of CPEC, peace and stability in the region. A consensus is need between the ruling party in the province and the state of Pakistan to cope the challenges in the region. If proper counter-terrorism measures are not taken, then possibly many hardships are likely to crops up that eventually prove fatal to the development of CPEC and the overall peace of the country.

    General Fida Hussain Malik in his book “Balochistan: A Conflict of Narratives” has said that Balochistan is being targeted by external belligerence of outside factors and the ineptness of internal management to handle the situation. In his views, on territorial grounds province is the largest of all in Pakistan, however, on the development scale it is the most unfortunate even though rich the mineral wealth. Its strategic location has captured the attention of the global powers which in turn has left the province in a state of hybrid war. The hostile and unfriendly country like to create an atmosphere of war. Internally, flawed policies and vested interests are the causes of insurgencies in the region. The people have inculcated feelings of alienation and mistrust in Islamabad. Pakistan's government has also realized that prosperity is not possible without improving Balochistan's situation. The state should seriously heed narratives of nationalists, sub-groups and militant outfits and come up with practical steps to address them.

    Balochistan Insurgency and its External Linkages

    Balochistan the biggest province has witnessed five vigorous insurgencies. The first insurgency marked its beginning in 1948 than a series of insurgencies began in1958, 1962,1973,2002, and up to date. There are many reasons behind such rebellions and mass killing. Balochistan has lagged in social, political, and economic spheres owing to the instable situations which are caused by the nationalist, and separatist groups. The main reasons of the Baloch insurgency are: alienation, exploitation of resources, ethnic conflicts, breach human rights, terrorist organizations and lack of proper education. The people of Balochistan are not given due shares in the representative politics. The political exclusion of Balochistan is the major cause of the rift between central government and Balochistan insurgents. The feelings of injustice and step-mother attitude on the part of the federal government is the factor which urges Baloch rebels to struggle for the independence of the province. The impression of alienation further increased when in 1999 Musharraf's regime came into power. The less representation of Baloch in the military is also the cause of tension among the state and the province. The military operation in Waziristan against anti-terrorist increased the troubles of many common people which resulted in further hatred among the natives against the state. The inhabitants of Balochistan reckon that they are deprived of basic rights in terms of politics. Hence, the main reason behind the insurgency in Balochistan is the lack of political mechanism and the very less percentage of Baloch province in the mainstream political system of the country (Beg, 2019).  

    Another factor that leads Baloch insurgency is an uneven distribution of natural resources and revenue of the province. Balochistan is the largest province and plays a key role in the economic development of the country. Gas is one of the major resources in the province which is utilized by the country in the energy sector. However, the province which has a major share in the production of the gas is rendered deprived of the facility. All the revenue generated by the resources is taken by the state and a meager amount is given to the province. Therefore, people seem unwilling and resort to fight against the hostile policies of the government of Pakistan. There is a breach of trust between the Baloch people and the state. Even though certain major development projects are initiated by the government, yet the trust deficit continues among both political and economic matters. Baloch insurgents think that Gwadar and like projects are only useful for the state whereas they will be neglected as they had been in past therefore they resort to aggression and mass killing (Beg, 2019). 

    Baloch nationalism is another prime cause of the insurgency in the province. Baloch feel themselves cut from the political mainstream and hence consider federal government as the major threat to their dominancy in the province. They consider Punjabi general and bureaucrats as the foes of the Baloch people. the dominant traits of Baloch nationalism are present in ethnicity, history and geographic locations. Violation of fundamental human rights is still another cause of insurgency in the jurisdiction of Balochistan. It was reported an exceedingly great number of Baloch people was kidnapped by the law and enforcement agencies of Pakistan. Baloch people are given dead bodies smeared with blood and wounded. Therefore, they turn to arms fight against the state. Human Rights commission reports that (ISI) is responsible for the forced disappearances of the nationalists. Finally, various Terrorist outfits are responsible for the chaos and terror in the country. The presence of Al Qaeda, Taliban and many other organizations escalate the situation and turn to mass killings. They rebellious groups want people to accept their ideologies and radical beliefs. Those who do not agree with them are entangled to death. target killings and self-destructive bomb-blasts are very common practices in Balochistan (Javaid, 2015). 

    External Factors Affecting Baloch Insurgency

    The terrorism in Balochistan could not have lasted so long without the involvement of foreign forces. The annals of history show that the state of insurgency have no firm ground until it is backed by some external forces. In the same way, insurgent groups have been supported and given patronage to sabotage peace in Pakistan. Among the key external factors that disrupt peace in Balochistan are India, Iran and Afghanistan. The prime aim of these states is creating chaotic situations in Balochistan so that the economy of Pakistan remains in shackles. Iran and India do not want Gwadar port to flourish. They have initiated their own Chabahar project as a gateway to Asia.  

    The government of Pakistan has often attributed insurgency in Balochistan to foreign forces. The major actor that promotes the Baloch insurgency is India. The other countries that directly or indirectly intervene in Balochistan are Afghanistan, Iran and USA. These states harbor different aspirations to their own benefits. The interests of all the world actors are based in Balochistan. Therefore, every state plays a role to further deteriorate the situation of the Baloch insurgency. It cannot be denied that India is the main player in the Baloch insurgency (Hussain, 2019) . 

    The Iranian forces have vested interests in the region. The province of Balochistan has a greater Shia Population. Therefore, many non-governmental organizations lavish greater support to the insurgent groups. They offer patronage to the people of Balochistan so that their interests can be translated into reality. The Gwadar port is one of the most important projects of Balochistan which has the capacity to uplift the living standards of the Baloch. The anti-forces that operate from Balochistan spread terrorism from across the border and disturb the situation of the region. Indian secret agency 'Research and Analysis Wing' (RAW) is supported by Iran that has a hand in the Baloch insurgency. The example of RAW's involvement is evident in the form of Kalbhoshan Yadav. He had an Iranian passport and was sent to conduct a secret activity in the region. Iran has its own economic project in collaboration with India namely Chahabar. So, they want to counter Gwadar port by promoting chaos and unsettling conditions in the region. The role of Iran is not much clandestine that they serve as the gateway for the entrance of Indian intelligence. there have been plenty of attacks from  across the border in Baloch territory. Recently 12 security forces were targeted in Makaran. The terrorist that were involved in the activity has their sanctuary in Balochistan (Hussain, 2019) .

     The main issue that Afghanistan projects is that of boarder settlement. Afghanistan had declared the Durand line as illegal. They demand a separate homeland for Pashtun population both in Balochistan and Afghanistan. The main motive of Afghanistan terrorist groups is to destabilize the province and create an atmosphere of disintegration. They also have been trying move Afghanistan tribes in the Baloch province. The Indian agency could not directly access to Balochistan hence they inter through Afghanistan land. The agents are transferred as a worker, but they are brainwashed not to forget their main mission of sabotaging peace and stability in the region. The US has also many concerns over the rapid growth of China in South Asia and becoming a global economic actor. Therefore, the access of China to the Arabian Sea is put in the doldrums by the USA. It has also augmented American nightmares that China will establish military bases In the Gwadar region. America in past had been using Balochistan land for the supply of weapons to the NATO forces. Moreover, it established air bases to exert its influence on the South Asian states. The US has strong links with India. India is desires of creating hostile circumstances in Balochistan. It has been supporting Balochistan Liberation Movement. American links with India boosts its confidence to keep going with the same flow to create chaotic situations (Mujahid, 2023).  

    Indian Efforts to Fuel Baloch Insurgency

    India has been trying to sabotage peace in Balochistan through various means. It gives support to the insurgent groups. India also offers, money, weapons and training to promote terror in the region. General Fida has shown in his book “Balochistan: A Conflict of Narratives” that India has adopted many evil strategies to augment the intensity of terror in Balochistan.  

    India has been trying to hamper Pakistan's development with a view to achieve a dominant position in the region. It is not a hidden fact that there are many testimonies against Indian direct and indirect involvement in Balochistan. As Morgenthau describes all political struggle is to seek power similarly India wants power in South Asia. Once a state acquires power it becomes arrogant and considers other nations as inferior. It does not allow them to seek equal power and compete with it in the international arena. Indian also do not want Pakistan to improve its economy, get rid of the curse of terrorism and seek political stability which will bring peace in the region. 

    India wants to further various interests by giving patronage to the terrorist outfits in Balochistan. It not only provides funds but also gives shelter to the leaders of banned outfits. The following are the key interests India has in the Baloch insurgency (Mujahid, 2023). 

     India wants to disturb CPEC, the mega project which is part of China's Master Plan. It is a thorn in India's eyes. Indians consider this project as a serious blow to her economy. CPEC is aimed at boosting Pakistan's economy and infrastructure. It will also bring foreign investment which are the key indicators for the development of the region. India is afraid of CPEC and Pakistan's progress in the energy sector and economy. India sees it as a threat to its sovereignty. It passes through the region of Gilgit-Baltistan which India affirms to be part of disputed territory of Kashmir.  The development of CPEC will diminish Indian influence in the region. India considers herself as the only powerful actor at present but the presence of China and the boost of Pakistan's economy are likely to curtail the influence of India in all sectors such as economics and the military.  India also wants to isolate Pakistan internationally, but it has failed in doing so. The growing interest of various world communities is a matter of grave concern for India. CPEC is the mega project that will improve economy, and energy crisis of Pakistan and it will bring foreign investment. The deep interest of Russia and other states causes India to design evil strategies for the failure of the Project.  India is afraid of China’s presence in Balochistan’s Gwadar port. China has raised rapidly to the summits of success. It has been great economy of the world. China wants to expand its influence beyond the boundaries of Asia and other continents. Therefore, India feels itself vulnerable and insecure. The only way, in their mind to stop the progress of Pakistan and CPEC is to create a hostile situation so that no foreign state show interest in CPEC. The Baloch rebels seek weapons and funds from India and resort to mass killings (Afzal, 2018).  

    India has been creating an atmosphere of an untoward and hostile kind in the province of Balochistan. Her support to the Balochistan liberation Army is testimony that she is involved to incite fighting groups against the state. It is not in the interest of Pakistan to face untoward situations in their own province. The state of terror not only obstructs the development and progress of human beings but the resources of the province are being rendered useless. It is the onus of the state to take effective measures so as to reduce escalation in the province. The mega project aims at transforming the situation of the region but such acts of terror which does not spare human being could prove very fatal to the development of CPEC. It is the demand of the time to settle issues by means of productive dialogue with warring factions. If Pakistan successfully resolves issues with Baloch nationalists then it will surely reduce the risk of insurgency. The evils design of India would automatically stop. Therefore, the development of CPEC is linked with peace in Balochistan. the province however requires due rights and treatment on equal footing. it is the only effective way of countering Indian evils schemes in the region. The chaotic condition in the province blocks the progress of CPEC and produces a situation of fear and terror (Ali, 2015). 

    Impacts on CPEC

    The Baloch conflict not only affects regional peace but the mega project of CPEC is at the target of insurgent activities. The impacts of rebellion in Balochistan poses untold threats to the progress of the CPEC. India desires CPEC to be a failure. It is because Pakistan's economy will find revival when CPEC becomes operational. In addition to this, several energy projects and infrastructure schemes are going to open new avenues of prosperity for Pakistan. It is deplorable in Balochistan that insurgent activities are rapidly growing which give raise to security concerns of the state. China has invested a large amount of wealth to project its influence across East Asia to become a global economic power. The issues that emerge from the chaotic situations in Balochistan are the consequences of insurgency which is backed by India as well as other state actors.   

    The insurgency in Balochistan halts the development of the region. It does not reveal the positive image of Pakistan abroad. Investment from foreign countries is greatly influenced. CPEC faces challenges from both inside and outside of the borders. There are many threats that halt the progress of CPEC. These Threats emerge from Balochistan Liberation Army, Balochistan Liberation Front and Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan.  These insurgent groups do not want to see the CPEC project flourish hence its development has been slowed down. The workers are being terrorized and kidnapped to generate a wave of terror in the region (Hussain, 2019). 

    The involvement of external countries especially India, Afghanistan, and Iran are the major setbacks to the progress of the CPEC. The attacks carried out by BLA and other insurgent groups backed by India have extremely affected the development of the mega project. In 2017 a Chinese couple was kidnapped by the terrorist and later on they were found dead in Mastung.   The fear of insurgency has stopped the free movement of Chinese workers in Balochistan. The security threats have increased the costs of CPEC. In addition to this many security personnel have been deputed to protect Chinese workers and officials.  There are about 15000 security guards to that have increased the costs of    CPEC. 

    The insurgents assume China as their enemy. They believe that China assists the Pakistan army in carrying out a severe operation against them. So, Baloch Separatist and other terrorist organizations including Al Qaeda and IS are putting hindrances in the ongoing CPEC projects in Balochistan. India on the other hand, helps insurgents by covertly providing them weapons of mass destruction along with financial support (Rehman, 2022). 

    The insurgency in Balochistan has casted adverse effects on CPEC. It has also negatively hampered the Gwadar port. The companies, workers and officials have been time and again attacked by the insurgent elements in the province. Additionally, the native Baloch people think that CPEC is the evil design of China and Pakistan to loot the resources of Balochistan, so they are against the project's implementation. The Separatist reckon that if CPEC projects are successfully implemented than their own people will suffer greatly. Apart from this, their main concern is China. They consider China as their arch foe who want to eat resources of Pakistan in the name of CPEC.  Following are the major setbacks CPEC suffers from Baloch insurgency:

    o The impacts of Baloch insurgency are too heavy on CPEC. It poses deadly life threats to the Chinese worker. 

    o Baloch insurgents’ groups have been killing, torturing and abducting workers time and again which hinders progress of the project. 

    o The nationalists have developed grievances against construction of CPEC. Baloch insurgent groups allege that it will benefit single province, so they don’t want CPEC to find its completion. 

    o China would assume the control of sea trade this makes India fearful of CPEC. When the CPEC is fully functional China will be in the position to provide short routes to the northern and Latin American states. In this China would be dictating international trade transactions. Hence, India wants to hamper CPEC. 

    o Another major setback to India is Chinese string of Pearls. The presence of China in Indian Ocean makes India take adverse efforts to sabotage CPEC. 

    o Indian opposes CPEC because it perceives threat to its sovereignty.  

    o Baloch insurgency creates security concerns for the state. The environment of fear and ghastly dread prevails to create a fierce situation for the foreign workers and authority.

    o The expenditures of the project are soaring high due to security threats. Terrorist target Chinese and Pakistani workers who are working on CPEC projects. 

    o The death tolls in Gwadar and in its proximity also broadcast a message of adverse situations in the region. In Balochistan death causalities which resulted from suicide bombing alone touch a mammoth figure of 2000. It provides clues that security threat is the major impediment in the development of CPEC projects in Balochistan. 

    o India is worried about the participation of Asian powers in the mega project. The indulgence of Russia and Turkmenistan is hunting Indian interests in the region of South Asia. 

    o The increased costs of CPEC due to security dynamics also hamper its advance. India deliberately wants to sabotage the project to counter influence of China.  

    o India has two options whether they stage fierce protest and disrupt CPEC or become part of this economic venture. India has opted former option that aims at bothering CPEC.   

    How can Pakistan Counter Indian Designs in Balochistan

    Pakistan needs to take effective measures to counter growing Indian influence in the region. There are many options available to the government of Pakistan to win over the hearts of Baloch people and make them realize that India had been a deadly enemy of Pakistan.

    It is the prime responsibility of government of Pakistan to convince Baloch nationalists that they are part of Pakistan. 

    o Pakistan needs to take effective measures to reduce the intensity of the insurgency in Balochistan. The federation should convince fighting groups through negotiations. As India has evil designs to the best course would be to find a political solution of the problem. 

    o The government of Pakistan can obstruct Indian agents and Baloch rebels by vigilantly keeping an eye on the activities in the province. 

    o The people as well as political leadership of Balochistan should be assured that they are part of Pakistan and states will ensure full provisions of the rights in accordance with provincial autonomy rules. 

    o It must be inculcated in the minds of the fighters that India is trying to pursue own goals by fueling the campaign against the state.  

    o The feelings of alienation of Baloch rebels should be responded with tangible practices to bring them in the national fold. 

    o The full provision of civil rights must be granted to the citizens to make them feel that they are integral part of the country. 

    o The government needs to start many development programs that have the potential to uplift famished people to the standard living conditions. 

    o The province of Balochistan should be given due share in development programs.

    o The insurgent groups should be persuaded by the authority that CPEC equally profits people of the Balochistan.

    o The provincial as well as Federal government should initiate educational programs that cater the educational needs of the people and rise the literacy rate of the province.

    o The government needs to find out political solution to the problems in Balochistan. The nationalists should be persuaded to follow mainstream politics and abandon use of force. The development projects will prove helpful in handling of the situation of insurgency. When there is peace in the region and progress occurs, the people will automatically join the national fold to contribute towards the betterment of the country. Therefore, government should expeditiously implement Gwadar port and CPEC projects. 

    Conclusion

    The researcher has brought forth the intervention of various world actors in the Baloch province. There are various insurgent groups that operate in the province. The involvement of India through various means have been found in this study. The nasty impacts of insurgency on CPEC have also been discussed at great length. There are vested interests of India in Balochistan. India wants hegemony in the region and wants to put hinderances in the way of CPEC and Gwadar Port. To fulfil its vicious goals, it promotes terrorism in the disturbed Baloch province. India helps insurgents by providing them funding, weapons and training. In addition to this, the heads of Separatist organizations have found asylum in India. India has no direct access to Balochistan, so it uses soil of Iran and Afghanistan to enter its agents in Pakistan. India also does not like economic development of Pakistan. The implementation of CPEC will revolutionize fate of Pakistan so India tries to create a quagmire so that the instability prevails, and people remain in the clutches of despair and fear. The terrorist groups operate in the province and Chinese engineers, officials are made prey of the attacks. The attacks delay the progress and cost security coasts to the state of the Pakistan. The peace in Balochistan is possible through dialogue and development projects. The government of Pakistan need to start plenty of development projects to win over the hearts of Bloch population.

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Cite this article

    CHICAGO : Abbas, Muhammad Ahsan, Fakhara Shahid, and Saira Iqbal. 2022. "Indian Involvement in Balochistan: Implications for CPEC." Global Political Review, VII (IV): 15-24 doi: 10.31703/gpr.2022(VII-IV).03
    HARVARD : ABBAS, M. A., SHAHID, F. & IQBAL, S. 2022. Indian Involvement in Balochistan: Implications for CPEC. Global Political Review, VII, 15-24.
    MHRA : Abbas, Muhammad Ahsan, Fakhara Shahid, and Saira Iqbal. 2022. "Indian Involvement in Balochistan: Implications for CPEC." Global Political Review, VII: 15-24
    MLA : Abbas, Muhammad Ahsan, Fakhara Shahid, and Saira Iqbal. "Indian Involvement in Balochistan: Implications for CPEC." Global Political Review, VII.IV (2022): 15-24 Print.
    OXFORD : Abbas, Muhammad Ahsan, Shahid, Fakhara, and Iqbal, Saira (2022), "Indian Involvement in Balochistan: Implications for CPEC", Global Political Review, VII (IV), 15-24
    TURABIAN : Abbas, Muhammad Ahsan, Fakhara Shahid, and Saira Iqbal. "Indian Involvement in Balochistan: Implications for CPEC." Global Political Review VII, no. IV (2022): 15-24. https://doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2022(VII-IV).03