Pieces of the Asian dream

Pieces of the Asian dream

Article:

1. Syed Munir Khasru, has talked about India’s strategies towards Asia-Pacific region.

Important Analysis:

2. Recently, Involvement of Indian PM in various dialogue and Summit has led to analysis of Indian strategy in Asia-Pacific region.

3. It also talks about what would be India strategy when China and USA are involved into geopolitical rivalry in Asia-Pacific region.

4. Increasing interest by both India and China in littoral states of Indo-Pacific region continue to impact sea corridors.

5. However Indian PM Speech in Singapore recently has shown India’s interest in Asia-Pacific region.

6. But how India’s stance will shape the international relation in this region is not clear.

7. Author’s View on role of India in Asia-Pacific region

• India trying to influence through diplomatic, bilateral and military engagement.
• India can influence their presence in the region by increasing engagement with ASEAN countries, developing friendship strategies with China, maintaining cordial ties with Russia, more engagement with USA and showing interest in Australia.
• Concern is huge deficit in India’ trade with ASEAN when compared with China.
• India has ignored its immediate neighbors in South-Asia like Nepal and Sri Lanka over China.
• In 2015, India’s restriction in supply of fuel to Nepal and failed strategic intervention in Sri Lanka has undermined the India’s leadership.
• India and Japan share already share strong Military ties.
• Strong maritime partnership between India and Australia through 2+2 Dialogue.
• To foster strong relations India can use its soft power through art and literature music and dance, cultural affinity through religious diversity and ancient ties and finally Diaspora which can help India in a long run.

8. Though India is considered friendly neighbor by many East-Asian countries, India needs to develop strong position using its soft power and Military presence against Chinese cash and hard power.

9. Author views on China’s role in Asia-Pacific Region

• China trying to influence through investment in Littoral states as these states are infrastructure deficit.
• Despite dispute in South-China Sea with these nations, China’s heavy investment in ASEAN bloc has brought these nation closer to China.
• As a result of heavy investment of China in Cambodia (ASEAN country), Cambodia has refused to endorse joint statement against China’s ruling in South-China sea.
• Currently, China is largest contributor of foreign aid in Cambodia and invested in dams, highways, oilfields and mining sector.
• In 2016, Philippines has also strengthen ties with China for purchase of M4 rifles and Guns to fight against extremist only after US has refused to supply.
• China has invested multibillion dollars in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka has also handed over its Hambantota port to China.
• China has also promised billions to littoral states in Indian Ocean Region under Belt and Road initiative.

10. However this aggressive nature of China has pushed many countries in East and South-East Asia closed to India (e.g. Singapore and Indonesia)

11. Author’s view on India and China context

• India’s willingness in joining (Boarder and Road Initiative) BRI can provide an opportunity for better evaluation of implication of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
• India can better lead and manage its own initiative like BBIN and BIMSTEC after having strong strategic plan with China.
• With the help of China, India can gain influence in the region by providing regional connectivity.
• During SCO summit China has also agreed to share data on Brahmaputra water which will help both countries in flood season.
• On India’s demand protocol has been signed allowing India to export all varieties of Rice to China.
• China has also promised trade target of 100 Billion Dollar with India by 2020.

12. Though China has plenty of resources, cash power and its assertive nature, India’s move and its ambition will develop in a particular way against China.