- The fast-evolving geopolitical and geostrategic situation in the last few years defies logic and easy comprehension simply because of the multilayered approaches adopted by the top nations. As you are aware, the multipolar world order has been established ever since the hegemony of the United States of America was successfully challenged by other nations like China. Nonetheless, the sway of the USA continues on the global stage, though some of the other actors, like China, continue to strengthen their heft and traction. Mind you, the immense contributions of the USA in aiding the development of China are not minuscule by any stretch of the imagination. However, China has since stood its ground by sheer dint of its economic scale despite mounting challenges.
PC: Sputnik India
- The global community is aware of the line of actual control skirmishes between India and China, especially in the eastern sector, over the last few years. Despite several rounds of diplomatic and military level meetings, nothing concrete has emerged so far, even as a few concessions here and there have kept the talks between the two interested. The Pahalgam attack on innocent tourists and the subsequent Indian action in the form of Operation Sindoor showcased how the US sided with the Pakistani establishment. And the China-Pakistan alliance is an enduring all-weather one is known around the world. How does India handle this increasingly piquant situation? The Indian think tank must focus on a multipronged, sophisticated China playbook in the days ahead.
PC: India Today
- The recent SCO defence ministers’ meeting showcased the Pakistan-China nexus again, focusing on undermining India’s stand on terrorism. The proposed joint statement was opposed by India after it was found that Pakistan, with China’s complicity, was blocking mention of the Pahalgam terror attack, but was pushing for inclusion of terrorist activities in Baluchistan and the situation in Kashmir. This would have been shocking if it were not part of a well-established tactic. As familiar as it is, it should certainly inform the ongoing thaw in New Delhi-Beijing ties. Apart from aiding Pakistan, China itself remains a sophisticated strategic challenge for India. Therefore, utmost caution must be maintained in all dealings with Beijing.
PC: Business Standard
- China’s United Front strategy means that any lever of the Chinese state, including private companies, can be leveraged by Beijing to further its strategic interests. Case in point, three massive tunnel boring machines for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor have remained held up at a Chinese port awaiting clearance since October last. Similarly, China is easing its urea export ban, but not for India. India must build indigenous supply chains and tech in critical sectors to reduce dependence. Also, China’s monopoly on rare earth permanent magnet motors can be tackled through the development of microelectronics. We should reach out to Taiwan for R&D collaborations. And the trade deal with the US must be concluded quickly. Time to act now.
