India-China relations have been characterized by a complex mix of cooperation and competition, with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as One Belt, One Road (OBOR), significantly exacerbating existing tensions. India has consistently opposed the BRI, primarily due to sovereignty concerns, as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of BRI, passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India claims as its territory. This directly challenges India's territorial integrity.

Beyond sovereignty, India views BRI as a strategic move by China to expand its geopolitical influence, particularly in the Indian Ocean region through the 'String of Pearls' strategy, which could encircle India. India also expresses concerns about the lack of transparency, environmental sustainability, and the potential for 'debt-trap diplomacy' associated with BRI projects, which could burden smaller nations with unsustainable debt. This has led to increased mistrust and a deepening of the strategic rivalry between the two Asian giants. While both countries are major trading partners, the BRI has become a major point of contention, contributing to the overall strained relationship, alongside ongoing border disputes and competition for regional influence. India has responded by promoting its own connectivity initiatives and strengthening alliances with like-minded countries to counter China's growing assertiveness.