- The Indian prime minister refused to back the Chinese leader’s ambitious global infrastructure vision at a summit last week, but the apparent snub is not getting in the way of amicable ties between Asia’s two biggest economies
and
met last week on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the bonhomie seemed like it was there to stay.
(BRI) in the SCO summit’s Bishkek declaration.
finally stand? Somewhere in the middle, by all indications.
in Osaka, there have been increasing signs that both countries may now be trialling a fresh approach to diplomacy – one that neither sidesteps contentious issues nor does it allow differences to derail ties.
and the BRI – from other non-contentious issues of cooperation in other sectors.
But the jury is still out on whether it will pay off, especially given the historical distrust and the baggage that both countries carry.
ROAD BUMPS GALORE
In the last week alone, there have been at least three flashpoints in the Sino-India relationship.
While the dust was still settling on India’s refusal to sign the Bishkek declaration endorsing the BRI, reports emerged that the
was expected to scrap plans to build jointly with China an ocean observatory overlooking the Indian Ocean. The news came a week after Modi had visited the Maldives capital Male in early June.
The Maldives’ decision to build the observatory was first mulled in December 2017, raising the Indian establishment’s hackles as it would have given China a presence in the region.
Another irritant between India and China has seemed to be the proposed 16-nation
(RCEP). India has been lukewarm on the free-trade bloc, frustrating the Chinese. Indications have been that China is likely to push for a 13-member bloc at the coming RCEP meeting in Thailand on June 20, excluding India.
BRI and border issues have not managed to overshadow the remaining business between the two countries
STRONG LEADERS, STRONGER AGENDAS
The approach might also have to do with where both leaders currently stand.
. Through the campaign, Modi portrayed a hardline image of himself and his government, especially on issues of national security. Similarly, Xi has emerged as a stronger leader since his reappointment last year – his approach marked by a higher-than-ever emphasis on economic nationalism and connectivity. Modi made a reference to this in his SCO meeting with Xi.
The message is loud – India’s opposition to the BRI does not mean India will allow adversarial relations to develop between the two
Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through the disputed region of Kashmir.
“But to make sure this does not affect the relationship, PM Modi and President Xi are meeting numerous times,” Hashmi said. “The message is loud – India’s opposition to the BRI does not mean India will allow adversarial relations to develop between the two.”
A NEED FOR EACH OTHER
Another factor that has likely prompted the new approach between India and China is their need for each other, particularly as both Asian powers navigate bumpy relationships with US under
and is reeling from the tariffs imposed on Chinese imports to America. India, too, has seen a similar but smaller version of this trade battle play out – things have escalated especially since the Trump administration withdrew its preferential trade treatment towards India. Responding to this, India imposed tariffs on 28 US products over the weekend.
“Despite the chemistry, India and China’s promises to each other on the economic front haven’t materialised on the ground. Major projects as well as investments in each country are stuck.”
Source: SCMP
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