The dynamics of India-China relations are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by China’s emergence as a formidable global superpower. While the two nations maintained a ‘normal’ neighborly relationship following the 1962 conflict, this equilibrium is now fundamentally altered, according to T.S. Tirumurti, former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations. He highlighted this shift at the recent launch of a book on China.
Speaking at the unveiling of “China: Indian Perspectives on China’s Politics, Economy, and Foreign Relations,” published by The Hindu Publishing Group, Mr. Tirumurti pointed out that India now shares a border with a potential superpower, a situation that drastically redefines their bilateral ties. He asserted that the established ‘old template’ for interaction is inadequate, necessitating the development of a new framework to engage with China in its dual capacities.
Mr. Tirumurti stressed that India must implement a more nuanced foreign policy. This approach should move beyond merely using progress on border issues as the sole measure of healthy relations. He advocated for addressing critical concerns such as the trade imbalance, ensuring access for Indian goods and services, and promoting de-escalation to pave the way for a new normal in their relationship.
The book, curated by Ananth Krishnan, Director, The Hindu Publishing Group, features 12 insightful essays from former diplomats, business leaders, and scholars. These contributions delve into various aspects of China, including its political trends, technological advancements, economic landscape, trade policies, the evolution of Indo-China relations, and its military modernization. Mr. Krishnan noted that the publication offers a timely overview of China’s current trajectory, encompassing its swift climb in the tech value chain, significant economic challenges, geopolitical tensions with the U.S. and its neighbors, and its growing influence across Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
N. Ram, Director, The Hindu Publishing Group, reflected on a pivotal moment in post-1962 India-China relations: former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China in 1988. This visit, he explained, initiated a period of increased bilateral trade, which surged from a modest $600 million in the early 1990s to an impressive $140 billion today. Ram acknowledged that the boundary dispute remains a deeply entrenched issue, with domestic policymaking constraints on both sides making a swift resolution challenging.
Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson, The Hindu Publishing Group, underscored the book’s importance, particularly in light of the changing global order, which presents an opportune moment to re-evaluate perceptions of China through a fresh lens.
B. Santhanam, Independent Director, The Hindu Publishing Group, emphasized the profound, hands-on technical expertise of Chinese entrepreneurs, who consistently prioritize full-stack development. He suggested that as India endeavors to advance in sectors like semiconductors, solar power, energy, and mobility, an entrepreneurial mindset might be more crucial than a state-driven policy approach.
The discussion also included contributions from Suresh Nambath, Editor of The Hindu, Narayan Lakshman, Opinion Page Editor, and Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, further enriching the dialogue on this complex subject.