Indian Foreign Policy as Viewed from China

"The effectiveness of Modi's diplomacy shows a stark contrast between the regional and global arenas: while [India] shines brightly on the global stage, its regional influence has declined markedly."

Today’s edition begins with an introduction by Manoj Kewalramani. Manoj is the chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution and a non-resident senior associate at CSIS. He is the author of Smokeless War: China’s Quest for Geopolitical Dominance and the editor of the excellent Tracking People’s Daily, a must-read newsletter for all China watchers. – Thomas

Historically, the relationship between the modern Indian and Chinese states has been characterised by strands of cooperation, competition and even conflict. These continue to co-exist, although increasingly both countries seem to be viewing each other through the threat rather than opportunity prism. This has meant that contestation and volatility have become the defining characteristics of the relationship. In this regard, I concur with Hu’s assessment that ties are likely to be characterised by “cold hostility.” Despite the outcomes of the recent elections in India, this situation is likely to pe…