Is India's security at risk with China's growing military presence in Pakistan's Sindh?

China has sent private security companies into Pakistan's Sindh province to provide security to Chinese nationals engaged on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This has created unease for India, considering the strategic nature of China's growing military footprint in Pakistan. Anti-government protests have been common in Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Nonetheless, Sindh province has seen recent spotlight through protests against the military and government. Chinese nationals assaulted in Sindh prompted China to safeguard its interests by acting accordingly. 

Use of Chinese security firms

China has sent private security officers to Sindh province under a deal struck in March this year. The decision has been regarded as a big step by China to safeguard its interests overseas. The security companies are working alongside Pakistani soldiers to keep Chinese citizens involved in CPEC projects secure.

Implications for India

China's growing security role in Pakistan has immediate strategic consequences for India. The most worrisome aspect for India is China's military assistance to Pakistan, such as the construction of bunkers, provision of drones, encrypted communications systems, and radar technology. This enhances Pakistan's attack and surveillance potential against India.

China's encirclement strategy

The military relationship of China with Pakistan forms a part of its encirclement policy to counter India. China's penetration in Nepal and Sri Lanka equally supports this policy. The convergence of China's and Pakistan's intelligence agencies is also a point of concern about cross-border surveillance within Indian soil.

Possible deployment of PLA

Rumors are that if the attacks on Chinese citizens continue in Pakistan, Beijing may officially deploy its People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Pakistan. This would be a dangerous turn for regional security and India.

China's expanding security footprint in Pakistan

India is apprehensive about China's expanding security footprint in Pakistan due to the strategic implications of China's enhanced military presence in the country. India's alarm is also fueled by China's provision of military assistance to Pakistan and its probable deployment of PLA troops to Pakistan.