The Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s stop over in New Delhi, enroute to Islamabad, is a sign of thawing in relations, after May 2020 border clashes killing 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan. The visit is significant in the backdrop of the strained Indo-US relations, especially after president Trump’s tariff strike. Indian foreign ministry has since been trying to hedge its losses, and been courting both Russia and China. It is a difficult task, after India has abandoned its non aligned position and opted for the American camp. But the global geopolitical scape has changed and the US camp is not what it meant for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Neither can US provide such market access now, nor technology and finance. As foreign minister jaishankar, rightly said, these are times for reformed multilateralism. This is multilateralism with reforms in international institutions. The call is somewhat late in the day, though. While china has agreed to address India’s immediate concerns of fertilizers, rare earth magnets and tunnel boring machines, long term relationship is doubtful, given the competing strategic interests of both nations, especially the reluctance of China to concede the Indian Ocean region. This is most evident in its Pakistan policy. Mr yi is visiting Islamabad next, and this reinforces, the importance Pakistan holds for Beijing. The Indian Air Force chief has recently said that India was fighting the combined force of china and Pakistan during operation sindoor. The scenario is unlikely to change. India is in no position to improve its trade position with China, and it may not get any technology support either. India remains part of the quad and five eyes groups. The domestic politics, including fall in democratic credentials, is hurting international stature and bargaining power. The modi government needs to improve at home first.
