ESL Blogs

Whether we like or not, China plays probably the most important role in India’s economic growth, military aspiration, diplomatic relations and influences the internal politics considerably. It’s the second largest trading partner of the India after UAE, and the main reason behind that made India’s largest importer of ammunition. Any discussion of India’s growth and development, without illustrating the role of China into it, is incomplete.

China’s knows very well that India has the largest demographic dividend, and second largest population (i.e. market) of the world. She recognizes the Indian power in IT and communication and accepts that the two countries share same future vision and aspiration.

 This is the reason Chinese PM (Li Keqiang) was one of the earliest congratulator to NaMo, followed by President’s (Xi Jingping) special envoy Wang Yi, who came to India after 2 weeks. Modi himself went to China 4 times when he was Gujarat CM, for inviting the Chinese investment in Gujarat.

China is famous for long term relations and deep commitment in diplomacy. The famous friendship of Mao – Nixon, that changed the course of Cold war is knows to everyone. China remained loyal to Nixon, even after the Watergate scandal, is in itself an exemplary example of her commitment.

China has no place for emotions when it comes to its foreign policy. When India’s premier was on Bhutan’s visit, a 5 member delegation of Chinese communist party was meeting BJP (a right wing party) members at BJP’s headquarter, proving that national interest is bigger than their party ideology.

The biggest problem between India and China is border dispute. Fortunately China has shown interest in solving the problem. China share border with 14 countries and had disputes with almost all of them. But with time she has resolved 12 out of them and now Indian and Japan are the only remaining neighbors.

Border settlement in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh are necessary because only then both countries can control cross border infiltration (especially in Ladakh region), visa problems and security concerns of the people (respective citizens of each country) living on the borders.

Security concerns with China have always played a central stage role in Indian defense system especially after 1962 war. But one should always remember that China is the second largest economy in the world. She is the fastest growing economy taking giant strides toward US economy and will leave US behind in next few years. Her defense budget allocation is 4 times greater than India’s.

In these conditions it would be fatal for India’s growth if it entangles militarily with China. The China is aspiring to be the next superpower of the world and cannot afford any war with India with whom she shares 2,185 km long border. Any war will shatter the dreams of both the countries for sure.

There are theories like “string of pearl”, which put apprehension over the increasing presence of China in the neighboring countries of India, like Bhutan, Nepal, Srilanka, Maldives etc. The concerns are legitimate, but solutions are also there. India needs to take her neighboring countries in confidence by better foreign policy. The threat of dragon will automatically diminish if not vanish.

 P.M. Modi understands it better than anyone else, that is why SAARC countries were invited in swearing ceremony and his first visit was to Bhutan. His foreign minister’s recent visits to Bangladesh and Nepal are another step forward. He is meeting with Chinese president on 6 BRICS summit at Fortaleza is considered successful. Only a close co-operation between the world’s two oldest civilizations can bring prosperity in the Himalayan/Tibetian countries.