External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar cautioned against China’s strategy of focusing solely on bilateral dynamics, urging India to leverage “other factors in the world” for a more balanced relationship. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, he addressed the question of finding equilibrium in India-China relations, noting China’s earlier economic expansion compared to India’s recent growth.
Jaishankar acknowledged the nature of economic cycles, anticipating China’s eventual flattening out and India’s continued growth. He emphasized that projections, such as those by Goldman Sachs, indicate both nations could have $50 trillion economies by 2075.
Despite current disparities, he pointed out the inevitability of India and China converging economically. However, Jaishankar underscored the importance of understanding and managing differences, referencing the 1980s understanding on the border issue that saw a recent departure from China, leading to tensions and India’s pushback.
The minister highlighted the nuanced nature of India-China relations, acknowledging the likelihood of occasional actions to press advantages and subsequent resistance. The border issue, which had a longstanding understanding since the late 1980s, witnessed a shift in China’s behavior in recent years, leading to tensions.
Jaishankar explained, “There will be occasions where one or the other will do something to press home a particular advantage and the other will resist.” He noted the departure from the earlier understanding on the border, emphasizing the need for both nations to manage differences to maintain stability.
The minister’s remarks underscore the complex dynamics between India and China, recognizing economic trajectories, border issues, and the need for strategic management to ensure a stable relationship. As both countries navigate their growth trajectories, Jaishankar’s insights at the Raisina Dialogue highlight the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship.
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