China-Pakistan Alliance Challenges India's South Asia Primacy

• The 7th China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Beijing expanded its scope to challenge India's historical primacy in South Asia, moving beyond traditional concerns.
• The dialogue's language on a 'South Asian regional order' and opposition to 'unilateral actions' is seen as a veiled critique of India's policies in J&K and the Indus Waters Treaty.
• China and Pakistan are building 'India-excluded spaces' through new trilateral mechanisms, including China-Afghanistan-Pakistan and China-Bangladesh-Pakistan.
• CPEC 2.0 was announced, prioritizing industry, agriculture, and mining, with a focus on Gwadar Port and 'third-party participation,' signaling China's intent for resource access.
• Despite security challenges from TTP and Baloch insurgents, the effectiveness of these mechanisms will determine the re-ordering of regional dynamics, with India observing closely.

Why It Matters: China and Pakistan are strategically aligning to reshape South Asia's regional order, challenging India's dominance through expanded dialogues and trilateral mechanisms.