In the wake of the Ukrainian crisis, there was apprehension that U.S. foreign policy might just end up taking the wrong turn and focusing on Russia. But Biden's new National Security Strategy portrays Russia as a declining imperialist power and pins the focus on countering China in the Indo-Pacific.
Posts tagged as “China”
A ceasefire in Ukraine and rapprochement between Russia and the West is in India’s best interests. Given border tensions with China and India's continued dependence on Russia for arms, policymakers in New Delhi must live up to the task of finding a new equilibrium in these disorderly times.
For the first time since the days of the Russian empire, Central Asia is moving away from Moscow’s influence. Many Central Asian countries have opposed Russia on Ukraine, and China and Turkey are stepping up to fill the power vacuum. But India is still curiously absent and unable to compete.
Ancient China was a self-contained and inward-looking economy with mostly domestic-driven prosperity, and it saw the world as a hierarchy of states with China at the centre. But today, China’s prosperity is linked to the globalisation of its economy, making such a hierarchical order difficult.
India's military ties with Russia are already suffering. But in addition, India's fence-sitting in Ukraine proves to Russia that it is not as reliable an ally as China, and to the West that it is not an ally at all. India ought to look within for what it stands for and what it hopes to achieve with its foreign influence.
The U.S. is the second-largest manufacturer in the world but it is heavily dependent on other countries for imports. Owing to tensions and tariffs, imports from China have fallen sharply in recent years. That provides a huge opportunity for India, provided it can find a delicate balance in its monetary policy.
Gaming, including e-sports, stands at the intersection of technology, globalisation, entertainment and business. Its popularity is so widespread that it featured as a medal event in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Governments have begun to take note.
The Summit for Democracy was a product of complex U.S. realpolitik – one which seems to have conflated the goals of subduing China and espousing democracy. But if America truly wants to contain Chinese influence, couching its foreign policy in terms of democracy will prove counterproductive.
Buddhism is becoming a front in the rivalry between India and China. To neglect a religious community that has pan-Asian as well as global soft power appeal will be an ill-advised step for India. India must foster a socially and economically mobile Buddhist community through intelligent investment.
India has a long-standing policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. However, America's withdrawal and the Taliban's takeover have brought significant challenges for India. India now needs to make some tough decisions to protect its economic and security interests in the country.