21 January 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) China’s rapid escalation of bilateral partnerships reflects a strategic pivot towards the developing world. In this context, analyse the impact of China’s engagement upon India’s position in the Global South.  (150 Words/10 Marks)

Answer:

India and China are two emerging powers that wield considerable geopolitical influence. However, their inimical and mutually competitive relations have put them at a crossroads in winning the goodwill of the Global South.

China’s rising influence in the Global South:

1. Geoeconomics: (a) BRI has significantly expanded China’s economic footprint across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, consequently, leading to increased influence in the Global South; (b) extensive trade relations and prevalence of Chinese goods has led to Global South’s dependency upon Chinese economy [e.g. second largest trade partner and largest source of FDI for Nepal].

2. Geopolitics: (a) Acting as the mediator of peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia; (b) China’s increasing military presence in the IOR [Gwadar port in Pakistan; spy vessels in Maldives] poses strategic challenges for India; (c) China’s ignorance of global norms, such as human rights, has made it appear as an all-weather friend.

3. Soft power and diplomacy: China’s extensive aid and development assistance to Global South [healthcare (like vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19), education + scholarships, and technological cooperation] often outpaces India’s contributions [e.g. China grants duty free access to 97% of Bangladeshi goods].

4. Multilateral engagement: China’s proactive role in establishing and leading multilateral organizations [such as BRICS, NDB, AIIB, SCO] has strengthened its institutional influence in the Global South.

5. Defence and Technology: advancements in technology, relatively lower costs, and willingness to export have made China the go-to destination for Global South for obtaining cutting-edge technology and defence equipment.

Impact of China’s engagement on India’s position in the Global South:

1. India’s neighborhood: Chinese influence on India’s neighbours has led to anti-India sentiments – (a) ‘India Out’ campaign in Maldives; (b) cartographic aggression by Nepal; (c) support for anti-India governments in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar; (d) it has also threatened India ambitions to be net development partner to south Asian countries and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.

2. Multilateral institutions: (a) rise of China has led to shrinking of maneuvering space for India in common institutions, such as SCO and BRICS; (b) China’s rising influence has led to erosion of support for India’s seat as a permanent member at UNSC [e.g. ‘Coffee Club’ in UN]; (c) China has successfully blocked India’s entry into crucial arrangements, such as NSG.

3. China’s rising engagement is pushing India out of its comfort-zone in the Global South and towards the Global North [e.g. Quad, I2U2], which can be harmful for India’s national interest in the long run.

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