China is a South Asian country, sharing borders with 14 countries including India. Governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) since 1949, it has rapidly transformed into a global manufacturing hub and technological leader. Its significance lies in its economic rise in the region and hegemonic influence over smaller countries through loans and the Belt and Road Initiative.
As the epicenter of COVID-19, China faced global scrutiny over its pandemic response. Its strict zero-COVID policy and economic slowdowns have affected global markets, while trade disputes and technological restrictions with the US, EU, and India continue to shape its global relations.
China’s foreign policy is marked by its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), expanding influence through infrastructure projects, and territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and along the India-China border. It fought a war with India in 1962 over Aksai Chin, and tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), most recent being the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
Sino Iranian cooperation will pose a strategic challenge to India though the deal may be in the interest of Iran to skirt American sanctions. Of course, India cannot offer much to Iran when compared to China, except some emotional throwback to cultural relations, ancient civilizational links etc.
India needs to ensure that our investment in Chabhar is protected and our usual relations with Iran are not affected. But on a larger canvass, India needs to grow economically to match the Chinese in Asia and beyond. Given that we are busy with fighting our political battles within ourselves and sorting out our regional, language, caste, minority, corruption etc etc issues, it is a tall order for the Central government headed by any party, even to strategize any grand designs.
Why not talk about Indian pain?