Overview

• China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have formalized Afghanistan's inclusion in the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project to enhance trilateral cooperation.
• India opposes the CPEC expansion, citing sovereignty violations as the project passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• The development raises concerns for India about potential military mobility for Pakistan and China, as well as the use of Afghan territory for anti-India operations.
• India's $3 billion investment in Afghanistan's infrastructure and development projects faces challenges as Kabul aligns more closely with Beijing and Islamabad.
• The trilateral meeting occurred against a backdrop of tensions, with Pakistan criticizing the Taliban government for not addressing militant groups targeting Pakistan.