Now that the Doklam stand-off and the BRICS summit are over, it's time that India pay attention to some developing bilateral scenarios.
What all should India focus on?
Bhutan - Though not being as strategic as for India, the unrest in Doklam was of a concern for Bhutan.
Also, views within Bhutan are strongly demanding a “balanced foreign policy” i.e. opening of ties with China as well.
China could exploit the situation, to influence Bhutan and gain it support.
Thus, India should consider working on the hydropower potential of Bhutan, assisting it in its economic development, etc more firmly than before to retain the Bhutanese trust.
China - Beijing has maintained that Doklam had been part of China since ancient times, and continues to claim its sovereignty.
Notably, the intention for a smooth BRICS summit is also behind China's stance on ending the Dokalm stand-off.
Also, China will not let down Pakistan while the CPEC is gaining momentum as one of the major components of the Belt and Road Initiative.
India should beware and focus on its military preparedness to encounter a possible two-front collusive threat from China and Pakistan.
US, Russia - India is, in recent years, getting closer to the US.
Though being strategic, this has its own problems as this is likely to distance India from China and even Russia.
Even groupings like the BRICS are getting to be ‘limited purpose partnership’ to achieve specific sets of outcomes rather than a common ideological convergence.
India should take note of this, given Russia's intention to use BRICS as an organisation against the West, particularly the US and encourage the Chinese leadership.
Japan - In the present scenario, partnership with Japan, besides the US, could be the cornerstone of a coalition to take on China’s economic and military might.
As this could help in other larger coalitions that may include countries willing to resist Chinese dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.
What is the way forward?
Bilateral relations are taking shape beyond bilateral relevance and starting to be determinants of international relations and internal security.
India should pay heed to these developments and strategise on its foreign diplomacy.
