Page 560 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

The port at Hambantota in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka has
been developed by China.

A Chinese company built the port and gained control to manage it.

The fall of the Rajapakshe government in the January 2015

elections has impeded Chinese efforts.

10. Pakistan

Gwadar port was part of the originally conceived Iran-Pakistan-

India gas pipeline. India pulled out of this project, citing security
concerns.

The project is now called Iran-Pakistan-China pipeline and Gwadar
is an integral part of this project.

CPEC and the Iran-Pakistan-China pipeline project enables China

to strengthen its military presence in the region, including around

the Strait of Hormuz which is also vital to India’s trade.

Indian Response

11. India recognises the Chinese String of Pearls as a potential threat and

has vigorously adopted the Look East Policy as Act East Policy. India is
now engaging with its SAARC neighbours by interaction and extending

economic support.

12. The Chinese encirclement posture is being countered by Indian

engagement with countries surrounding China. India shares good
relations with its old allies and friends like Japan, Russia and South

Korea.

Comments

13. The String of Pearls is an evolving and dynamic situation and will