Shannon Ebrahim

CHINA’S vision of re-imagining the ancient silk route stretching from Beijing to Scandinavia is being implemented at lightning speed.

As they say, “the train of the One Belt, One Road (Obor) initiative is speeding ahead”. The Maritime Silk Road is linking shipping lanes from China to Venice, while the Belt Road consolidates the overland routes.

China has masterfully brought on board more than 60 countries, connecting Asia, Europe and Africa along five different routes. In essence, China has created a vehicle for a new global economy and political order.

Over the past three years the initiative has already resulted in $3.1 trillion in trade among the participants. It has spurred economic growth and created development dividends.

This week, China hosted the One Belt, One Road summit in Beijing to review the progress of the initiative over three years.

Thirty heads of state came in person to show solidarity. Noticeably absent was India, which seems to have missed the train… on purpose.

As countries over three continents have decided to capitalise on the opportunities the initiative presents in terms of trade, development and connectivity, India has not only rejected it, but sought to undermine its credibility.

This is a significant geopolitical development as one