The bilateral relationship between states is one of the most important aspects in International Relations. Relations between India and China have geared up since the last few years. To continue the improved relations, it is of pivotal importance for China to prioritize engaging with the changing leaderships in India. The purpose of the visit by China’s foreign minister Wang Yi during 8-9 June 2014 was to therefore establish a positive rapport with the newly elected National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for furthering future relations with the leaders in power and sensing the expectations and working patterns of the new Government in India. This meet might prove to be a turning point for India; affirmative communication might lead both the states to formulate new equations for their relationship. Though it is too early to predict the future of this renewed engagement, an analysis of the talks between two foreign ministers of respective states is indicative of how the development of ties between the two Asian giants is going to take shape in the coming years.
The agenda of new Government in India is mainly focused on development and the result of elections has been reflective of the popular consensus on the need for pursuing development oriented governance. The enhancement of the India-China bilateral economic relationship appears to be therefore the major issue under discussion between the foreign ministers. It was acknowledged from both the sides that there is a tremendous potential for economic co-operation. Both the countries are large economies having huge market potentials and an immense consumption base within them. It was discussed that there is scope for Chinese investments through industrial zones and industrial parks in India, as well as India’s investment in technological parks in China. It seems that in terms of economic relations, the flights are boarded and are just ready to take off from both the sides, once the necessary formalities are carried out from both ends. The growing nature of this bilateral economic relationship can actually be most beneficial for India to boost its much needed developmental momentum in order to rise faster and emerge as ‘a new great power’.
After the 1962 war, there was a sense of reluctance from both the sides to break the ice which had developed, and move a step towards each other. Even today, India seems to maintain this historically inherited apprehensiveness regarding the border issue with China. However, Wang Yi, during his visit, has stated that “the boundary question is indeed a difficult one, but with strong will and resolve, we will eventually find a solution.” To expand the bilateral relations, India needs to move ahead of its bitter experiences in the past and co-operate with China. China’s policy since past three decades has been found to be mostly defensive and giving priority to economic growth. At this point of time, when China’s economy is facing a slow growth rate, it needs a sustained boost. Expanding economic relationship with India will be a win-win deal for China, and therefore make sure that Beijing refrains from turning offensive towards India. Though this does not mean that the border issues will be necessarily resolved, strengthening the relations will definitely be favourable for both the nations’ interests. Wang Yi seems to reflect this rationale, when he emphasized that China and India have more strategic consensus than differences, and that cooperation is the top priority. Wang Yi also appreciated India’s stand against terrorism, as India took a position supporting China when terrorist attack struck China, of late. It can be seen that in the matter of counter-terrorism, both the states have been increasingly evolving common views.
For India-China Relations, apart from the bilateral issues, there are many contemporary global, international and regional issues of importance which affect their relationship, such as climate change, terrorism, global governance and reforms, economic recession, as well as regional instabilities in vital regions like West Asia. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ Official Spokesperson, “almost everything that could be of importance in International Relations had been discussed” between the Foreign Ministers of both the countries during this visit, reflecting comprehensive nature of the talks. On the cultural front, expansion of relations between two oldest civilizations of the world might help both the countries and its populace to understand each other, which might help in developing a vital and much lacking trust in bilateral relations. Cultural exchanges, in particular have been one of the best ways to reinforce bilateral relations. The Chinese Government has assured during the meet that the cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra would be scaled down and visa norms shall be liberalized, setting a positive precedent.
There is a strategic undertone to China’s increasing pro activeness to woo India, and China’s recent overtures to India need to be seen in this context. In the contemporary scenario, where the US has refocused its attention to Asia, China has been keen in enhancing its strategic partnership with India and Russia, as well as other emerging countries so as to balance against the West and have more say in the international order. The recently held BRICS summit in Brazil has also projected a similar message. However, the future course of these developments completely relies on the maturity, wisdom and tactful decision making by the new leadership of India and a year old Chinese leadership; and Wang Yi’s visit has certainly set the tone for possibly, an effective transformation.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are personal.
Palak Vyas, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Political Science, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.
