Retired Major General Gajinder Singh, former commander of the Indian Mountain Division in the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in an article for theweek.in, reveals key aspects of the China-Pakistan strategic partnership, which he sees as a growing threat to India’s security. Gajinder Singh emphasises that while there is no overt military intervention, Beijing’s support to Islamabad in the areas of intelligence, military supplies and diplomacy significantly complicates New Delhi’s position.
The military-economic axis: ‘Higher than the mountains, deeper than the sea.’
As Singh notes, Pakistan and China have repeatedly declared their ‘unbreakable friendship,’ and this is not mere rhetoric. The 1963 agreement to hand over the Shaksgam Valley to China laid the foundation for long-term co-operation. Today, it includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an infrastructure project that strengthens Beijing’s influence in the region.
In addition, the agreement provides for military supplies – China provides up to 80% of Pakistan’s defence imports, including JF-17 fighter jets, drones, submarines and air defence systems. The 1963 agreement also provides diplomatic cover – the PRC blocks India’s attempts to impose UN sanctions against Pakistani terrorist groups.
‘Quiet war”: how China supports Pakistan
During the Indo-Pakistan conflict (Operation Sindur), China avoided direct involvement but, as Singh writes, provided covert support: intelligence and cyber assistance: satellite imagery and data to track India’s actions. There was also an information war – Chinese media (Xinhua, CCTV) broadcast the Pakistani version of events, portraying India as the aggressor. In addition, according to Singh, there was psychological pressure – Chinese bloggers spread misinformation, exaggerating the losses of the Indian army.
Strategic recommendations: how should India respond?
Singh in his article suggests a multi-layered approach, including strengthening alliances or cooperation with the US, Japan, Australia and Israel in technology and intelligence, modernising the army by developing cyber warfare, satellite surveillance and missile defence systems. Besides, according to the author, India needs to step up diplomatic pressure – countering the China-Pakistan bloc in international organisations.
