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Abstract

Since gaining independence in 1947, India's population, expansive land size, robust economic position, and historical and cultural ties have enabled it to dominate South Asian neighbours with comparatively less developed economies and weaker military strength. Since Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister of India in 2014, the “Neighbourhood First” policy was coined to enhance India's influence in South Asia, creating a favourable environment for its ascent as a global power. However, China's increasing military presence and influence in South Asia through financial and military support to neighbouring countries have disrupted the region's security architecture. This article uses qualitative methodologies to examine India's security threats from China's military and economic support to South Asian countries. The paper finds that South Asia holds a crucial and prioritised position in the foreign policies of both India and China. The strategic competition between India and China in the South Asian region has had and continues to impact the countries in the area significantly. With financial and military support, China is gradually shaping its influence in South Asia, posing a security threat that could isolate India in the Indian Ocean region. It concludes that China's attempts to contain India in the region led India to enhance military cooperation and strengthen its defence partnership with significant countries in the Indo-Pacific region to limit the threats from China.

Bahasa Abstract

Sejak memperoleh kemerdekaan pada tahun 1947, populasi, luas wilayah, posisi ekonomi yang kuat, serta ikatan sejarah dan budaya telah memungkinkan India untuk mendominasi negara-negara tetangga di Asia Selatan yang memiliki ekonomi relatif kurang berkembang dan kekuatan militer yang lebih lemah. Sejak Narendra Modi menjabat sebagai Perdana Menteri India pada tahun 2014, kebijakan "Neighbourhood First" diciptakan untuk meningkatkan pengaruh India di Asia Selatan, menciptakan lingkungan yang menguntungkan bagi langkahnya mencapai kekuatan global. Akan tetapi, meningkatnya kehadiran dan pengaruh militer Cina di Asia Selatan melalui dukungan keuangan dan militer ke negara-negara tetangga telah mengganggu arsitektur keamanan kawasan ini. Artikel ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif untuk meneliti ancaman keamanan India dari dukungan militer dan ekonomi Cina ke negara-negara Asia Selatan. Artikel ini menemukan bahwa Asia Selatan memegang posisi penting dan diprioritaskan dalam kebijakan luar negeri India dan Cina. Persaingan strategis antara India dan Cina di kawasan Asia Selatan telah dan terus berdampak pada negara-negara di kawasan ini secara signifikan. Dengan dukungan keuangan dan militer, Cina secara bertahap membentuk pengaruhnya di Asia Selatan, menimbulkan ancaman keamanan yang dapat mengisolasi India di wilayah Samudra Hindia. Artikel ini menyimpulkan bahwa upaya Cina untuk membendung India di kawasan ini membuat India meningkatkan kerja sama militer dan memperkuat kemitraan pertahanannya dengan negara-negara penting di kawasan Indo-Pasifik untuk membatasi ancaman dari Cina.

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