A CRITICAL STUDY OF CHINA'S GROWING INFLUENCE IN SOUTH ASIA AND ITS IMPACT ON INDIA-US RELATIONS

Abstract

The current work is a critical analysis of the fact that China is increasing its influence in South Asia, and its effects on Indian-US relations, in the shifting geopolitical environment of the Indo-Pacific region. Based on the theories of balance of power and strategic alignment, the study analyzes the ways in which economic, strategic, and diplomatic interactions by China transform the regional power statuses and affect bilateral relations. The research design is a descriptive and analytical study that is based on secondary data collected through peerreviewed journals, policy reports, and international data bases. To evaluate regional engagement patterns and strategy response a systematic literature review is utilized and is backed by qualitative content analysis and trend analysis. The paper also derives a conceptual structural model based on SEM to describe the interdependence between the main variables, such as the perception of regional security, strategic competition, and geopolitical realignment. The results reveal that China is becoming increasingly influential in South Asia, which dramatically increases security challenges and strategic rivalry, thus moving the Indian and American countries further towards convergence. The paper adds value to the literature, as it provides a combined analytical vision of geopolitical triangles and the role of strategic balances and cooperative models in ensuring stability in the region and in a rules-based world order.