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Meta-geopolitics of India and China By Vithiyapathy Purushothaman, Research Officer, C3S

Introduction

China’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow, during three successive stages in 1979-1999,

helped it to elevate the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The methods of reformations

and initiatives by the Chinese government in these periods adopted new broader FDI policies in

various fields. China stabilised its GDP growth and utilised its natural resources to modernise its

region. Its political diplomacy and soft loans won the hearts and minds of many nations from

Asia to Africa. This power projection gifted China with a leveraged sphere of influence in the

Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The industrialisation and foreign policy initiatives of China focused

its economy and boosted its GDP graph. This resulted in the higher influence of geopolitics in

various fields. While India propounded its ‘Look East policy’ China focussed on the West and

concentrated on foreign investments all around Asia. Beijing then further extended its focus to

the African continent. Major Chinese initiatives such as ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) and 21st

Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) helped it establish stronger meta-geopolitics in Asia and

beyond.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi sought to change the phase of India’s geopolitical strategy by

inviting SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) leaders to his swearing-in

ceremony on 26 May 2014. The process initiated to address Chinese meta-geopolitics in the

South Asian region marked the first move of his game in of grand chess played across the Asian

landscape. India’s 15th Prime Minister Narendra Modi is carrying forward the seven key

dimensions of meta-geopolitics to counter the game of checks and balances in the geopolitical

map of Asia. Modi’s timely major initiatives such as ‘Make in India’i to draw more FDI to the

nation, ‘Digital India’,ii ‘MoUD Smart Cities’,

iii ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana’

iv and

‘Mudra Bank’v addressed dimensions of economics, science and human capital. ‘Swachh

Bharat’,vi

‘Clean Ganga’vii

and ‘Green India’viii

highlight environmental, social and health

dimensions. India’s Project Mausaumix

to strengthen current ties between the countries across

the ocean though was a slow starter. Chabahar port connectivity on the other hand can be seen as

a part of India’s balancing act to counter China’s meta-geopolitical moves in the Central Asian

region.

Modi’s foreign policy thrust and economic cooperation agenda has effectively impacted Chinese

foot prints in the region over the past two and half years. Furthermore, by promoting defence

exports via ‘Make in India’,x an attempt has been made to balance against Chinese defence

exports in the region. These initiatives will have a strong impact on exporting arms and

ammunition at a low price and in assured quality over the coming decades. As a result, small

nations are inclined towards defence imports from India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s power

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projection is taking its shape to challenge Chinese diplomacy and economic activities in Asia. In

two and half years of Modi’s era, many checks and balances have been conceived to counter

Chinese activity in Asia and IOR. The success of these measures can only be gauged in the

coming years.

This paper will address these issues against the backdrop of China’s meta-geopolitical moves in

the international arena. Furthermore, it will aim to analyse the changing meta-geopolitical

strategies under Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping. This paper will seek to answer the following

questions.

What is India and China’s role in Asia, why it is necessary to classify Foreign Policy

activities of India and China using Meta-geopolitics?

What are the foreign policy activities that take place in the region? How do two and half

years of India’s foreign policy team counter the Chinese foreign policy activity in the

region?

How do India and China move their Foreign Ministers in the Grand Asian Chess Board?

What is the present need of Asia?

How does the power play of two leading powers in Asia change the landscape of Asia?

What are the changes that are expected in the Asian Landscape by India and China

cooperating?

How can India and China together shape the landscape of Asia?

Meta-geopolitics

In the concept of foreign policy analysis the Great Game, New Great Game and Geopolitics are

employed to analyse the activities of the country. Yet the foreign policy of a nation deserves in-

depth analysis with several classifications. It is here that we use the term ‘Meta-geopolitics’

which was coined by Nayef R. F. Al-Rodhan, that is viewed as a combination of traditional and

new dimensions of geopolitics that presents the multi-dimensional view of power relations

between the states. It is a high-breed analysis to understand foreign policy using hard and soft

power tools that the state could employ or its power projection. The framework is viewed as a

combination of Neo-realism and Constructivist theories. Meta-geopolitics has seven key

dimensions which help to classify state power such as economics, environment, social and health

issues, science and human potential, domestic politics, international diplomacy, military and

security issues. Thus it coordinates the interest-based traditional geopolitical power dynamics

and value-based identity diffusion of neo-realism and constructivism respectively. By taking

meta-geopolitics as a brand new binocular we could view the foreign policy activities of India

and China in the Asian landscape.

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India’s Foreign Policy Team

On 26 May 2014, the Modi government formed a new foreign policy team and the game of

grand chess has begun on the Asian Grand Chess Board. Covering the length and breadth of

areas of interest, the foreign policy team actively travels to establish its diplomatic relationships

in the region. The activities of India foreign policy team was acknowledged worldwide as one of

the most efficient foreign policy initiatives in recent times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi achieved strong and efficient leads in international diplomacy as

well as military and security issues in geopolitics with the help of his effective foreign policy

team. This team is comprised of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister of State for

External Affairs V. K. Singh, Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National

Security Advisor Mr Ajit Doval.

In image 1 we see the power parity of the Indian foreign policy team in comparison with Chess

board powers. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval can be assigned as ‘Knight’, Foreign

Secretary Subrahmaniyam Jaishankar as ‘Rook’, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and

Minister of State for External Affairs as the ‘two bishops’ of the king. Last but not the least, the

most active Prime Minister of the largest democracy as a king but this king will not move in just

single steps for his visits are like a whirlpool where he always marks a series of visits in a single

journey.

Image 1: Power Parity of India’s Foreign Policy Team

Source: The image was designed by the author.

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As image 2 shows when the world is surrounded by ‘Made in China’ product, Indian Prime

Minister Narendra Modi goes around the world to invite industries to ‘Make in India’.

Image 2: Make in Indiaxi

His efforts in welcoming the international companies to ‘Make in India’ are expected to give

long term dividends. He seeks attention from leading industrialists around the world and creates

a strong acknowledgement for making India a better place to produce goods. The Make in India

initiative itself is grabbing a lot of attention and turning the Asian economy to focus towards the

Indian subcontinentxii

. His foreign visits across Asia are extremely remarkable and are creating

the largest space for the cooperation and agreement with respect to the importance on the basis of

the speciality of the respective country. The details of such visits are tabulated in table1.

Table 1: List of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi’s Foreign Visits till November 2016xiii

S.No Country Date Purpose

1 Bhutan 16-17, June 2014 State Visit

2 Brazil 13-16, July 2014 BRICS Summit

3 Nepal 03-04 August 2014 State Visit

4 Japan 30 August 2014

03 September 2014

State Visit

State Visit

5 United States 26-30 September 2014 State Visit and General debate of the

United Nations

6 Seychelles 10-11 March 2015 State Visit

7 Mauritius 11-13 March 2015 State Visit

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8 Sri Lanka 13-14 March 2015 State Visit

9 Singapore 23 March 2015 State Funeral of Lee Kuan Yew

10 France 09-12 April 2015 State Visit

11 Germany 12-14 April 2015 State Visit

12 Canada 14-16 April 2015 State Visit

13 China 14-16 May 2015 State Visit

14 Mongolia 16-17 May 2015 State Visit

15 South Korea 18-19 May 2015 State Visit

16 Bangladesh 06-07 June 2015 State Visit

17 Uzbekistan 06 July 2015 State Visit

18 Kazakhstan 07 July 2015 State Visit

19 Russia 08-10 July 2015 BRICS Summit

20 Turkmenistan 10-11 July 2015 State Visit

21 Kyrgyzstan 12 July 2015 State Visit

22 Tajikistan 12-13 July 2015 State Visit

23 United Arab

Emirates

16-17 August 2015 State Visit

24 Ireland 23 September 2015 State Visit

25 United States 24-30 September 2015 United Nations General assembly and

official visit to Silicon valley

26 United Kingdom 12-14 November 2015 State Visit

27 Turkey 15-16 November 2015 G-20

28 Malaysia 21-22 November 2015 ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia

Summit (EAS)

29 Singapore 23-25 November 2015 State Visit

30 France 30 November- 01

December 2015

2015 United Nations Climate Change

Conference

31 Russia 23-24 December 2015 State Visit

32 Afghanistan 25 December 2015 State Visit

33 Pakistan 25 December 2015 State Visit

34 Belgium 30 March 2016 First India-European Union Summit

and State Visit

35 United States 31 March- 01 April 2016 Nuclear Security Summit

36 Saudi Arabia 02-03 April 2016 State Visit

37 Iran 22-23 May 2016 State Visit

38 Afghanistan 04 June 2016 Inauguration of Salma Dam

39 Qatar 04-05 June 2016 State Visit

40 Switzerland 06 June 2016 State Visit

41 United States 06-08 June 2016 State Visit

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42 Mexico 09 June 2016 State Visit

43 Uzbekistan 23-24 June 2016 SCO Summit

44 Mozambique 07 July 2016 State Visit

45 South Africa 07-09 July 2016 State Visit

46 Tanzania 09-10 July 2016 State Visit

47 Kenya 10-11 July 2016 State Visit

48 Mongolia 14-16 July 2016 11th ASEM Summit

49 Myanmar 22 August 2016 State Visit

50 Vietnam 02-03 September 2016 State Visit

51 China 04-05 September 2016 G-20 Summit

52 Laos 07-09 September 2016 East Asia Summit

53 Thailand 10 November 2016 Working Visit (State Funeral of King

Bhumibol Adulyadej)

54 Japan 11-12 November 2016 State Visit

His diplomatic one stop visit to Pakistan and inauguration of Salma Dam has attracted the most

attention in the theatre of foreign policy. Efficiency with by all his visits and his marvellous

speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attracts the hearts and minds of the people worldwide

which made him a unique representative of 1.2 billion Indians. His foreign visits, signing

agreements, diplomatic meetings, all paves way for developing nation like India to gain a

stronghold in trade and economy, it is seen that the FDI floods more compared to the past. His

approach to visit a series of countries in one trip is also an attracting feature. The strategic moves

that PM Modi accomplished in whirlpool visits to Central Asia proved India’s capability in

gaining back the long-term relationship in the region. By building and presenting the Salma

Dam, India won hearts and minds of the Afghans. It is to be noted that Afghanistan is the place

where India worked hard to build the nation with several projects after it was torn by the decades

of war. In Central Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meta-geopolitical view can be clearly

seen in all seven pillars of the concept.

Focusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian Ocean Littoral States Visits

After a long hiatus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indian Ocean Littoral States. He

visited Seychelles on 10-11 March 2015, During his visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi

mentioned that Seychelles is his first destination in IOR because of our shared values of

democracy and inclusiveness and that our security partnership is strong. He launched the coastal

Surveillance Radar project as a symbol of cooperation. He further announced that India will

provide one more Dornier to Seychelles. The agreement signed between India and Seychelles on

hydrographic survey added a new dimension to its cooperation.xiv

After Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius on 11-13 March 2015. It is to

be noticed that External Affairs Minister Ms Sushma Swaraj visited Mauritius on 02 November

2015. It created a platform of understanding between India and Mauritius. Thus during PM

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Modi’s visit, he participated in the joint commissioning of the Indian-built offshore patrol vessel

Barracuda. He offered a concessional line of credit of $500 mn for civil infrastructure projects in

Mauritius. The discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sir

Anerood Jugnauth focused on deepening the strategic partnership between India and Mauritius.

The agreements between India and Mauritius focused on Ocean Economy.

Finally, the Indian Ocean Littoral States journey came to an end after visiting Sri Lanka on 13-

14 March 2015. During the visit, the agreement between Sri Lanka and India focused on

economic ties, trade and reduction of non-tariff barriers on both sides. Ocean economy is seen as

a priority of both the countries. Thus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian Ocean Littoral

States visit yields benefits in terms ocean economy and strategic relationship.

Bypassing Strategy of India

Afghanistan and Iran are the vital part of India’s investment, trade and strategic cooperation in

the region. India has good relations with Central Asia. The geographic contours that separate

India and Central Asia are becoming a challenge for India. ‘The Golden Gate: Chabahar’ is now

seen as India’s strategic gateway to enter into the Central Asian region. Iran-Afghan road and

railway connectivity plans will take India into Central Asia. Thus, in turn, it will boost trade and

defence cooperation between India-Iran-Afghanistan-Central Asia and beyond. India’s

investment in Afghanistan is widely seen as India’s reshaping strategy. After a long war when

the United States started creating a vacuum in Afghanistan, India started rebuilding Afghanistan

by reconstructing hospitals, building the parliament and Salma Dam, completed the road from

Zaranj to Delaram for movement of goods to Iran border and there are around 84 ongoing

projects in solar energy, agriculture, education, health and vocational training. The balancing act

of India and its major role in reshaping the war-torn nation Afghanistan helped India to

consolidate strategic relations with Afghanistan.xv

The CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) and Gwadar have many implications on India

by both economically and strategically. India’s entry through Chabahar is seen as a balancing act

to meet its needs. Geo-strategically Chabahar and Gwadar both lie on the Makran Coast of the

Arabian Sea and the distance between the two ports is 50 miles. China reaches Arabian Sea

through Gwadar and India utilizes Chabahar to enter Iran-Afghan-Central Asia and beyond.

Gwadar and Chabahar are both seen as centre to China and India’s bypassing strategies. For

China, Gwadar is to overcome the ‘Malacca Dilemma’ whereas for India Chabahar is to

overcome the ‘Pakistan Dilemma’. Thus, when China horizontally enters into the Central Asian

region, India enters vertically through Iran and Afghanistan and reaches its destination in Central

Asia and beyond.

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Focusing PM Narendra Modi’s Central Asia Visit from 6 July 2015 to 13 July

2015

"My visit to all five countries in the region demonstrates the importance that we

attach to a new level of relationship with Central Asia. We see an important place for

Central Asia in India’s future. We can reinforce each other’s economic progress," Mr

Modi said in a statement in Bishkek before heading off for talks with Kyrgyz president

Almazbek Atambayev.xvi

By focusing on China’s western neighbours, India is moving its chess pieces very carefully to

balance China’s entry in the region. China’s increasing momentum, specifically the OBOR in the

Central Asian Region and its relationship in the region is changing the foreign policy landscape

of Asia. India’s relation with Central Asia has always been smooth and supportive. In order to

increase the momentum in relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Central Asia. Thus, it

provided a platform for increasing trade and defence relation in the region.

Uzbekistan

Substantive and constructive friendly discussions that took place between President of the

Republic of Uzbekistan Mr Islam Karimov and Prime Minister of the Republic of India Mr

Narendra Modi. They boosted ties in the key areas of security relations under Joint-Working

group on counter-terrorism framework and cyber-security. Uzbekistan reiterated its support for

India’s permanent membership in the UN Security council. Both sides agreed to further growth

in bilateral trade. They intended promoting investment cooperation and creating favourable

conditions for Indian Companies in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at ‘Navoi’, ‘Angren’ and

‘Jizzakh’. Notably, the agreement was signed between Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan and the

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India on cooperation in the health sector and medical

science atomic energy and trade. xvii

Kazakhstan

The friendliest discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Nursultan

Abishuly Nazarbayev focused on joint cooperation in the fight against terrorism. At the end, five

key agreements were signed to upgrade defence ties and to increase cooperation in military

technology. It is to be noted, that Kazakhstan was one of the first countries to sign a civil nuclear

agreement with India and contracts were signed during the meet for the Uranium supply to

India.xviii

Turkmenistan

In Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Modi and President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov signed

seven agreements to deal with terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, defence cooperation and

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tourism which also focused on implementation of Turkmenistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan-India

(TAPI) pipeline project. xix

Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed four agreements to boost defence

cooperation, hold annual joint military exercises, discussed briefly combating international

terrorism and other crimes in the region.

Tajikistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emomali Rahmon discussed the regional issues

and involvement in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), India further showed its concern

to overcome the barriers that Afghanistan faces. The relationship focused on the regional security

and stability.

Thus, India’s keen efforts in increasing the cooperation with Central Asia through Iran and

Afghanistan will make the region economically strong as well as increasing its potential in the

security of the region. India’s efforts in Southeast Asia on the other side reached achieved

fruition with regular cooperation in various fields with the long-term initiative to Act-East.

External Affairs Minister Ms Sushma Swaraj

Ms Sushma Swaraj was sworn-in as External Affairs minister on 26 May 2014. From the time

she assumed office she has been setting remarkable records. Image 3 is a travel map of Ms

Sushma Swaraj.

Image 3: External Affairs Minister Ms Sushma Swaraj Travel Map of 2015-16 in Asiaxx

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The Bishop of the India’s Foreign Policy team runs diagonally across the world bringing

progress to the nation. The lists of the Visits of External Affairs Minister till June are listed in

table 2.

In her visits to several states, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj laid a carpet for Prime

Minister to establish his policy and complete his agreements during his visit. She paves a

masterly stance in developing good relations between India and the states that she visited till

now.

Table 2 : External Affairs Ministers outgoing visits till September 2016xxi

S. No Country Date

1 Italy 02-05September 2016

2 Russia 17-19 April 2016

19-21October 2015

3 Iran April 16-17, 2016

4 Nepal 16-17 March 2016

09 February 2016

24-27 November 2014

25-27 July 2014

5 Sri Lanka 05-06 February 2016

6-7 March 2015

6 Bahrain 23-24 January 2016

7 Palestine 17 January 2016

8 Israel 17-18 January 2016

9 Pakistan 08 December 2016

10 Malta 26-29 November 2015

11 Maldives 10-11October 2015

12 USA September 2015

New York 20-22June 2015

24September -1 October, 2014

13 Germany 23-25August 2015

14 Thailand 27-29 June 2015

15 South Africa 18-21 May 2015

16 Indonesia 21-24 April 2015

17 Turkmenistan 07-09April 2015

18 Oman 01-18 February 2015

19 China 01-03February 2015

20 The Republic of Korea 28-30 December 2014

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21 United Arab Emirates 10-12 November 2014

22 Mauritius and Maldives 01-03 November 2014

23 UK 17 October 2014

24 Afghanistan 11 September 2014

25 Tajikistan 10 September 2014

26 The Kingdom of Bahrain 06 September 2014

27 Singapore 15-17 August 2014

28 Vietnam 24 August 2014

29 Myanmar 09 August 2014

30 Bangladesh 25-27 June 2014

From table 2 we find that out of 30 foreign country visits excluding the multiple visits to the

single country, Ms Sushma Swaraj visited 19 countries in Asia under Act-East policy,

Neighbourhood first policy and Fast-track diplomacy of India’s Foreign Policyxxii

. In her visits to

Asian countries, she signed several agreements and negotiated favourable outcomes in trade and

commerce. She visited Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives in South Asia and

Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar in Southeast Asia. She visited Tajikistan and

Turkmenistan in Central Asia and also Afghanistan. In Middle East she visited Bahrain,

Palestine, Israel, Oman, and UAE. Her Stopovers in Europe included Italy, Malta, Germany and

UK. She also visited USA, Mauritius, China, Russia, South Africa and Korea.

As a Foreign Minister, Ms Sushma Swaraj meets the world leaders, makes speeches, signs

agreements in line with the national interests of India. From her part, she immediately responds

to people in need and rescued many Indians from various countries.xxiii

Her involvement and

movement in Asia indicate the foreign policy interest of India here. In her Bangladesh visit with

Abdul Hassan Mahmood, Ms Sushma Swaraj briefly discussed the land border issues which

created an enclave in the boundary of India and Bangladesh which later paved the way to resolve

the issues. During her several visits to Nepal, she improved the relationship between the two

countries and prepared the ground for Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit. In Myanmar, she

attended the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) regional forum and EAS foreign

ministers meeting which provided the outreach platform for Make in India and bring investments

from the region. During her Singapore visit, the major task was to get Singapore’s investment in

India for the ‘Smart City’ project. In Vietnam, her focus was to increase the cooperation

between Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Videsh and Vietnam in offshore rigs. In

Bahrain, she focused on promoting the overseas investments and facilitating a business

partnership in India. In Afghanistan her interest is keenly focused on improving the strategic

security cooperation between India and Afghanistan, it also included cooperation in several

fields such as education, technology and culture.

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In Maldives she represented India and its commitment towards stability and security of

Maldives, the discussion ensured the prosperity of the nation. Her remarkable visit to the UAE

and Oman increased the joint cooperation of India and UAE in many areas and enhanced their

bilateral relationship and laid the foundation for Prime Minister Modi’s visit where agreements

on cooperation in several fields were reached. Ms Sushma Swaraj’s maiden visit to Oman

created a space for the Prime Minister consolidating the bilateral relations in the Gulf. The

turnaround visit to South Korea surprised the world about India’s interest in trade and investment

in the region, her top agenda focused on joint shipbuilding ventures under Make in India policy.

The strategically important Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral foreign ministerial meeting in

Beijing helped the three countries upgrade their relationship. This platform is a milestone in her

career which brings three giants together. Her Turkmenistan visit was focused on the TAPI gas

pipeline project, to resolve the issues that India faces to bring it into being. These are some of the

remarkable visits and achievements of Ms Sushma Swaraj which enhanced the reputation of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy team.

Image 4: India’s Operation Raahat in Yemenxxiv

India’s brave rescue ‘Operation Raahat’ in March-April 2015, that evacuated both Indian and

foreign nationals from Yemen proved the strength of India and its reach in the region. India’s

‘Operation Maitri’ rescued Nepalese during the earthquake and India’s immediate assistance to

Maldives during its water crisis, increased Asia’s trust in India.

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Xi Jinping and Chinese Dream

In November 2012 at the National Museum of China, Xi Jinping said: ‘dare to dream, work

assiduously to fulfil the dreams and contribute to the revitalization of the nation’. In May 2013,

Xi Jinping adopted the phrase ‘Chinese dream’ as a slogan.xxv

Chinese dream focused on

national glory, socialism, collective effort and prosperity of China. The idea was repeated on

several important occasions. It is generally seen as an expectation of political and economic

developments, yet it is also driven to achieve sustainable development in urbanisation by

promoting green technology.

China’s foreign policy team which consists of Executive Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang

Yesui, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Baodong, Wang Chao, Liu Zhenmin (Asia, treaty,

law, ocean and boundary affairs), Zhang Ming, Zheng Zeguang, member of the Ministry

Leadership Xie Hangsheng, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Qian Hongshan, Li Huai,

Kong Xuanyou and Liu Haixing has an efficient office in influencing its foreign policy in Asia.

China under Xi Jinping formed its foreign policy team in 2013 with the vision of the Chinese

Dream. Its focus is further classified under its national interest.xxvi

The vision and activities of Xi Jinping carried the foreign policy activity to establish their

linkages in the international scenario, more like India, China looks at neighbourhood first policy

but in an aspect of security and attaining the interest in the region.

Rising Twin-Powers of Asia

The 21st century is said to be an Asian Century, where the twin rising powers of Asia, India and

China have a unique projection of foreign policy in the Asian landscape. Their foreign policy

under the classification of meta-geopolitics converges in several regions starting from the

immediate neighbourhood to Indian Ocean Rivalry by mutual encirclement and agreement-

oriented alliances with its neighbouring countries. The rise of the ‘twin powers of Asia’

converges in defence, diplomatic and economic development activities in the Asian Landscape.

Due to certain geographical factors, the rise of the twin powers intersects in the countries in Asia.

This leads to ‘strategic-space race’ between the ‘rising twins of Asia’ in the Asian landscape

from economic rivalry on one the hand and defence relations on the other. Their energy needs

are high compared as a result of the massive populations of both countries and the hunt for the

energy creates a thirst for long-term energy relationship in the region. The security of energy

transformation leads to a unique energy security rivalry between both the powers.

China and India clashed in their geography where the needs and the requirements of energy and

security are seen as mutual encirclements. Due to increasing demands, they reach out to the

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common neighbours in the region resulting in the clash of titans in terms of interest and influence

in Asia. Both nations geographically face each other in their border issues, maritime presence

and power projection in its immediate neighbours. India beyond enjoying the geographical

advantage faces the border barrier that challenges it to a continued relationship in Central-Asia.

This becomes a strategic advantage for China where its all-weather friendship with Pakistan

provided a strategic space and geographical advantage. There was no other way. India had to

bypass the barriers in order to reach the rest of Central Asia. India’s efforts in Afghanistan and

its relationship with Iran resulted in collaboration in Chabahar through which it could overcome

the barriers. India and China always tried to project their soft and hard power through social and

economics, environment, social and health issues, science and human potential, international

diplomacy, military and security issues. India lends her services to her neighbours while China

reaches out to them through soft loans, both the countries assisted Asian countries when they

were in need in one way or the other.

South of China and east of India, the Southeast of the world has an abundant energy and

manpower both the countries are trying to tap. The most important Malacca Strait of Southeast

Asia intersects the Naval interests of both the countries with the Indian Ocean to the west and the

South China Sea at the east. India’s interest in the South China Sea and Chinese presence in IOR

is recurs in the discussion of Asia-Pacific maritime strategy. China’s Silk Road economic belt

and its 21st-century MSR connect the region strongly. On the other side, ‘Project Mausam’ and

Spice trade route of India and its Chabahar port with Iran-Afghanistan road-link connectivity

will help the region economically become strong and stable by eradicating the poverty and

unemployment in the region. India connects to Central Asia through Chabahar port and reaches

the Southeast Asia through Northeast economic corridor. The regional development in

transportation and trade leads to increased economic activity resulting in transforming India into

an economic hub of Asia by connecting Central, West and Southeast Asia.

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Image 5: China’s Proposed New Silk Roadxxvii

India as an economic hub will connect road and rail link from Astana to Chabahar Port. Thus, the

sea trade between Chabahar and Mumbai further extends it from Mumbai to Singapore. The

transport and trade through the region will bring the prosperity and stability in the region with

increased economic activity in Asia. Thus India could reach Silk Road that travels through

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. With ‘Project Mausam’ and MSR India and China

could bring about strong economic development in the region through which Asia’s regional

trades will flourish. China reaches the Arabian Sea through Gwadar port and India reaches

Central Asia through Chabahar. China’s Regional connectivity also includes Kunming-Singapore

Railway and it extended to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Analysis of Key Elements

Let’s understand the developments of India and China based on seven key dimensions of meta-

geopolitics.

China soft loans are said to be expanding, through FAGIA (Foreign Aid and Government

Sponsored Investment Activities). Chinese assistance program are in 93 countries. It includes 14

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countries in Latin America 49 countries in Africa, 5 Middle Eastern countries, and all Central

Asian and Southeast Asian countries, as well as 5 South Asian countries including Indiaxxviii

. The

Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) initiative of China named as AIIB - Asian Infrastructure

Investment Bank has 57 member states. Regionally it has 37 members and 20 non-regional

investors. xxix

As of 22 September 2016, India invested $8367.3 million.xxx

It will also benefit

India in BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) corridor project and India-ASEAN rail and

road connectivity project. xxxi

Thus the operational policies of AIIB are focused on environment,

social and energy strategy. The Bank also recognizes social and environment sustainability to

enhance the interconnectivity in Asia.xxxii

The Paris Climate Agreement came into force on 04 November 2016. China ratified the

agreement on 03 September 2016 and India ratified the agreement on 04 October 2016.xxxiii

According to the report India has ratified the agreement with the declaration:

“The Government of India declares its understanding that, as per its national laws; keeping in

view its development agenda, particularly the eradication of poverty and provision of basic needs

for all its citizens, coupled with its commitment to following the low carbon path to progress,

and on the assumption of unencumbered availability of cleaner sources of energy and

technologies and financial resources from around the world; and based on a fair and ambitious

assessment of global commitment to combating climate change, it is ratifying the Paris

Agreement.” xxxiv

With regards to the Kyoto protocol, China become a signatory member on 29 May 1998, it

ratified its acceptance on 30 August 2002 and the protocol entered into force on 16 February

2005 and it entered into force on 16 February 2005.xxxv

Thus, India and China bind to the United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as responsible players of the region in order

to ensure environmental security. India and China are constantly looking towards green energy

and driving science and technology towards alternative energy and transport systems.

The huge manpower of India is unbeatable in terms of industrial technology and management

skills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has identified skilled manpower as key to India’s

development.xxxvi

Thus the focused skill development and the human potential of India will turn

it as an industrial hub of production. With regards to health issues, India has become a

destination for medical tourism in the Asian region. The countries around India choose India as a

hospital destination for major health care. As per the World Bank, China’s health expenditure in

1995 was 3.5% of GDP and increased to 5.5% of GDP in 2014, whereas India’s health

expenditure was 4.0% of GDP in 1995 and just 4.7% of GDP in 2014.xxxvii

India is keenly

looking to Diaspora Engagementxxxviii

through ‘Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra (Pbk)’.xxxix

It is focusing

on the over 28 millions Overseas Indians spread across the world. This program is expected to

17

develop sustainable, social, symbiotic and mutually rewarding economic and cultural

engagement between India and its diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 68th Independence Day at Red Fort addressing the nationxl

and

Chinese president Xi Jinping speech on ‘China Dream’ at Museum paved an agenda for India

and China respectively. The Anti-corruption campaign of Xi Jinping and Anti-corruption steps of

PM Narendra Modi was welcomed widely in both the countries.

India’s Transformational Diplomacy is boosting its global image through diplomatic outreaches.

It is carrying out a 3C Mantra (Commerce, culture and connectivity). The Colombo-Jaffna rail

connectivity project is a one example. India immediately responded to the water crisis of

Maldives by delivering waters through ships and aircraft in a well-executed operation named

Operation Neer. India was the first country to undertake relief and rescue operation in Nepal.

India’s ‘Look East Policy’ was transformed to an ‘Act East Policy’. India’s ‘Neighbourhood first

Policy’ gained momentum with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and External Affairs Minister

Sushma Swaraj’s visits to Dhaka, Kathmandu, Kabul, Male and Colombo. As a result, India

pledged Rs. 45 billion to Bhutan under the 11th five year plan and exempted the ban on exports

of milk-powder, wheat, edible oil, pulses and non-basmati-rice. India pledged to provide

assistance of Rs. 463.3 Crore for double-laning of Northern East-West Lateral Highway.

Foundation stone was laid for the joint venture of 600 MW hydro-electric power project at

Kholongchu additionally India pledged to provide Rs. 33.7 Crore for Bhutan’s first Power

Training Institute. The Nehru-Wangchuk as well as Ambassador’s scholarship for Bhutanese

students in India was increased to Rs. 2 Crore each. India further extended its assistance to build

a library in Bhutan.xli

The two landmark trips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal helped in fast-tracking the

5600MW Pancheshwar multipurpose project led to the signing of the 900 MW Arun III and

upper Karnali Projects. According to the motor vehicle agreement, bus services were initiated in

three routes between Kathmandu-New Delhi, Pokhara-New Delhi and Kathmandu-Varanasi.

Notably, PM Modi also handed over a Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark III to the

Nepal Army.xlii

The relationship with Nepal is seen strategically by both India and China.

Interestingly, during BRICS Summit in Goa, a trilateral meeting took place between Prime

Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Prachanda and President Xi Jinping. Prime Minister

Prachanda mentioned that ‘Nepal is located between two giant powers of Asia — India and

China — a prosperous Nepal is possible with their help and cooperation’. xliii

India’s Act East-intertwined dream is establishing cooperation is various fields ranging from

education, industries, culture and security. India’s increasing security engagement of with

Australia,xliv

Myanmar,xlv

Vietnam,xlvi

Korea,xlvii

Singapore,xlviii

and Mongoliaxlix

is becoming a

concern for China. China and India engage in most of the Asian countries based on their

18

national interest whereas it is seen as an encirclement too considering the possibilities. China’s

engagement in the Africa is based on natural and energy resources it needs from the region.l Due

to which China is concerned about the Sea-Lines of Communication (SLOC) in IOR. India’s

engagement in its neighbouring country and China’s engagement in the South Asia can be

mutually beneficial to each other. The economic and security developments of India and China

in the region are active and both move their pawns on basis of their own national interest. The

seven key elements of meta-geopolitics are seen in both India and China’s foreign policy

engagements.

Conclusion

India and China : Collective Responsibility in Asia

“Experience leads me to believe that our two nations do have the capability to

significantly enhance our convergences-and move forward. A rising India and rising

China must expand their shared interests - not only because it is good for them (but

also for the good of the world). If the 2.5 billion people of India and China come

together and walk together, it will be a great event”

- President Pranab Mukherjeeli

“Today, we speak of Asia's resurgence. It is the result of the rise of many powers in

the region at the same time. It is an Asia of great promise, but also many

uncertainties. Asia's re- emergence is leading to a multi-polar world that we both

welcome. But, it is also an unpredictable and complex environment of shifting

equations. We can be more certain of a peaceful and stable future for Asia if India

and China cooperate closely.”

- Prime Minister Narendra Modilii

Using the seven pillars of meta-geopolitics we can understand the foreign policy activities of

India and China. It clearly proves the movements of India and China in the Asian landscape with

an agenda to fulfil national interests by gaining importance in the region, for acquiring energy

and strengthening security activities. Further, it enhances the social, cultural, health, economics,

environment, science and human potential. When rising twins (India and China) of Asia, come

together with their trade and economy, they could emerge as helping hands of Asia, by

developing the region and eradicating poverty and unemployment. When the Central Asia and

Southeast Asia is engaged more in the economic activities by means of transportation and

bilateral trade with ensured security, both the countries could shape Asia and then we could call

the 21st century a truly Asian Century.

19

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xxii

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21

xxvii

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xxviii

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xxix

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xxx

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xxxi

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xxxii

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xxxiii

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xxxiv

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xxxv

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xxxvi

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xxxvii

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xxxviii

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xxxix

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22

xl

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xli

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xlix

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23

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