- The geopolitical scenario in the backdrop of Chinese aggressive and expansionist ambitions is known to the discerning political observers as well as policymakers of influential countries. The universe is unanimous in voicing concerns over the way Beijing is itching to spread its substantial wings not flinching from resorting to bullying methodologies that go against the accepted global order. The erstwhile Donald Trump administration was vociferous in not only decrying overtly intimidating moves of the Chinese think tank but also vehemently raised voices in veritable global forums to corner the communist regime.
PC: Max Stucki
- This did not go well with the Dragon Nation is all too well documented. India, by being counted as one of the most attractive global market owing to its sheer size and potential to attract investments for the business behemoths, is sandwiched between not allowing China to roll over us as it used to earlier before the eastern Ladakh incursions forced the policy change and the inevitability of staying afloat in its goal to carve out a niche in the world’s pecking order. The United States of America and the European Union have expressed solidarity with the Indian Government for its efforts to ensure the sovereignty is not breached when China arrogantly moved into illegally occupying the line of actual control (LAC).
- Many influential countries have expressed solidarity with the Indian Government. However, people in the know would concede that historically, the Indian Government’s relationship with the USA as well as the West continues to be just cordial. Though, potentially a significant one in the foreseeable future, especially any move to contain China, could be in the offing. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the USA will unequivocally stand alongside India in the event of serious hostility with China? Unlikely and hence, it becomes incumbent on New Delhi’s part to develop an independent pragmatic China-centric policy without expecting full support from the marginal allies.
PC: ASHLEY J. TELLIS
- In this context, India’s relationship with Russia assumes significant importance for the simple reason that our solid alliance dates decades back wherein a majority of the military firepower comes from Moscow. The USA and Russia are hardly on good terms over the last few years, and it is here that India will find it tough to spell out the toughest but practical foreign policy to ensure Russia does not get too affected by the growing bonhomie between us and America. There is already a palpable shift in the way Russia is inching towards China owing to concerted pressure exerted by the USA, EU, and allies. Add to the mix the Pakistan conundrum, which is an all-weather friend of China, the Indian foreign policymaking assumes humongous challenges.
- It is also interesting to note that the steady cozying up of Pakistan with the Russians in the last few years presents a fresh set of Challenges to India. From now on, India is expected to tread extremely cautiously to ensure it does not antagonize Russia too much and hoping that relations between America and the latter improve thereby allowing Moscow less reason to court Beijing. Of course, it boils down to New Delhi gaining traction internationally and the most obvious way to do so is to seriously expand India’s economy to the next levels. The best-case scenario is to ensure India grows at 8% annually over the next decade or so. Keeping fingers crossed
