Know about OBOR : GD Topic at 3 AFSB Gandhinagar 

Hello Aspirants ,

Today we are here with one of the important topics and that is OBOR.

This was one of the two GD topics asked recently in 3 AFSB Gandhinagar .

Let us have an insight about what OBOR is , advantages , disadvantages , and what India is doing to counter OBOR 

Should India Join OBOR, what are the advantages and disadvantages of joining OBOR

Let us first read about what OBOR is 

OBOR is china's One belt one road initiative .It is one of the largest development plans in modern history .

It is a strategy to connect China with central Asia , Europe and Indo pacific countries .

• Belt- refers to land based "Silk Road Economic Belt"
• Road-refers to ocean going "Maritime Silk Road". It will connect South east Asian region to China through ports and railways 

Should India Join OBOR

• First is that India will not be able to stop china in carrying on this initiative nor can stop neighbours from joining this initiative.So not joining may harm India's interest.
• Second it will prove to be a win win situation for India since it will increase the connectivity of the region.
• Further through OBOR India will get access to more business .
• Besides that some analysts feel that countries like Russia and others want Indian participation to counterweight chinese influence.
• Finally the transportation, energy security and blue economy are key features of OBOR which will be helpful for India.

Why India Shouldn't join OBOR:

• First is lack of transparency
• Process is not participatory and collaborative in nature.
• Second is OBOR might just be economic disguise to "STRING OF PEARLS"
• Further china is promoting its greater presence in North East India . This may have security impact on India.

What should India do to counter OBOR ?

India already refused to join this initiative . 

Instead, India has started initiatives for connectivity on its own .

Following are some steps taken by India 

• Project Mausam : Under ministry of culture and purpose is to connect and establish communication links between countries of Indian Ocean and enhancing cultural values.
• SagarMala: to enhance capacity of major and non major ports .
• Chabahar Port: give India access , besides Iran , to Afganistan , central Asia and Europe .
• Furthermore India is developing naval ports in Indian Ocean regions like Madagascar, Seychelles and Mauritius.

CONCLUSION

If India's political and strategic concerns are met , the initiative could be seen as viable .However,tense bilateral relations with china , deep mistrust and India's growing concerns over chinese hegemony in South Asia and Indo Pacific region make it practically unlikely that India will ever consider joining this project.

In the next post we will share other such topics that will help you ace GD . Stay connected to DDE .