Elephant and dragon hug mutual interests
Updated: 2015-02-05 07:44
By Tridivesh Singh Maini(China Daily)
|
||||||||
Of course, there remain irritants in bilateral relations, with the most significant being the border dispute, China's increasing influence in South Asia and the skewed balance of trade.
But that the current Indian government is serious about its relationship with China has been demonstrated by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's just concluded visit to China and the announcement of Modi's visit in May 2015.
Also, during his visit to India in September 2014, Xi and Modi discussed all the important issues, including territorial and water disputes, and the Chinese president promised an investment of $20 billion in India over a period of five years.
What the naysayers in both countries need to realize is that in a changing world and with its growing economic clout, India cannot remain a non-aligned or be excessively dependent on any one country. It is for this reason that India has been following a policy of "multi-alignment" over the past two decades. This does not imply any compromise with its core strategic and economic interests, rather it means keeping national interests at the forefront. Modi seems to be following this policy by emphasizing that New Delhi is open to engagement with all countries.
So while India and the US may converge on economic and strategic issues, China and India can be on the same page on other issues vis-à-vis the West, which among other things include climate change. The increasing economic and strategic clout of the two countries also means that after the withdrawal of US combat forces from Afghanistan, they need to jointly fight terrorism and find areas of cooperation to help the battle-ravaged country's economic reconstruction.
Relations between China and India have numerous layers yet one thing is for certain that they are likely to be dictated by realism and rationality rather than idealism and emotion.
The author is a senior research associate with the Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonepat. India.
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |