International geo-political situation demands for greater engagement between Indian and China.
Wuhan summit has set the tone for the same, which needs to be sustained.
How has the relationship evolved?
Early 1950s saw brotherly friendship blossoming between India and China.
This led some to even speculate that Indian and China would pilot the post-colonial Renaissance in the developing world.
But the 1962 war annulled all such hopes and the border dispute that caused the war continues to linger even today.
While the current governments on both sides expressed desires to work together in their initial years, thing withered eventually.
Also, border tensions reached a new high in the Doklam Standoff in early 2017.
But subsequently, there has been a course reversal as the rhetoric got milder on both sides and positivity grew through sustained engagements.
What are the geo-political aspects of the relationship?
Recently, Indian PM Modi and Chinese Premier Xi met for an informal summit at Wuhan.
They are said to have discussed various bilateral and international issues in detail to get a better understanding on each other’s perspective.
Notably, this comes in the backdrop of USA’s increasing trade hostility with China, and Mr.Trump’s temporal approach to international relations.
Hence, it is clear that Beijing sees India as a strategic partner to counter Trump’s inward looking anti-globalisation plank.
Additionally, Beijing is also re-engaging with Japan, South korea and ASEAN to facilitate the emergence of a strong Asian block that furthers globalisation.
China is also pushing for the “Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership” (RCEP), which seeks to enhance economic ties in the Asia pacific region.
Notably, RCEP has – ASEAN, India, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and China as members (ASEAN + 6).
What will the domestic political implications for the leaders?
Mr. Xi has also emerged as a very popular leader within China.
Getting India on board to support China’s multiple international initiatives will add to the polarity of Xi domestically.
Such support is also very critical for China if it intends to dictate the global order by replacing the US dominance.
For Mr.Modi too, a good equation with China would be domestically positive as investments from China would help in boosting Indian economy.
