Thanks for the tag.
I think it's completely okay for smaller countries to join the OBOR bandwagon. To them it's the easiest way to rope in the much required infrastructure.
But this isn't how it will work for India. To be on a neutral side it's better that we take the position of an observer in OBOR as it will help India monitor OBOR's progress. But then that's my opinion.
From what I have gleaned, there's a very strong reason why India has stayed away from OBOR, and NO it's not merely because of CPEC and Kashmir issue. China,as we all know, runs its trade by expanding its exports. Exports require transportation and sea routes are the best for bulky goods. South China Sea is definitely not the route China would risk taking and Indian Ocean is its best option.
So as much as ppl here would like to deny it, this is a fact ladies and gentlemen that China needs India's help as OBOR progresses.
But then OBOR is gonna hurt our domestic market as Chinese and Indian markets aren't really complementary, actually it will spell doom for India’s economy...or so I heard.
Staying away from OBOR is India's best option to prevent itself from getting its arm twisted by China in the near future.
Let me also remind you that not so far back in history, silk route was not just used for trade but was also used by Mongols to spread their terror.
All the best to OBOR.