Shashi Tharoor Highlights China's Influence on Pakistan's Defense

China's Role in Pakistan's Defense Equipment

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor emphasized that a staggering 81% of Pakistan's defense equipment is sourced from China, making it an 'unavoidable factor' in any conflict with Islamabad. Leading a parliamentary delegation to the U.S. to shed light on the ties between terrorism and Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor, Tharoor noted that relations between New Delhi and Beijing had been progressing well until last month’s tensions with Pakistan. According to media reports quoting Tharoor, he stated, 'I will not hide my views, but we are aware of China's significant interests in Pakistan.'

Belt and Road Initiative and Its Implications

Tharoor pointed out that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further highlighting the reliance of Pakistan on Chinese military supplies. He remarked that the term 'defensive' is misleading, asserting that in many respects, the situation is aggressive. 'In our confrontations with Pakistan, China is a factor that cannot be overlooked,' he stated. Tharoor also mentioned that after the skirmishes in the Galwan Valley in 2020, India has seen positive developments in its relationship with China.

India's Approach to Regional Challenges

The MP from Thiruvananthapuram noted that during the recent conflict with Pakistan, India viewed China in a significantly different light, even in discussions at the United Nations Security Council regarding Islamabad's support. He acknowledged the challenges posed by neighboring countries but reminded everyone that India has consistently chosen to maintain open channels of communication with its adversaries. 'We have made every effort to focus on development, growth, and trade. Our trade with China remains at record levels. It is not that we are adopting a hostile stance, but we would be foolish not to be aware of these other dynamics,' he concluded.