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Modi’s visit to China and his meeting with Putin once again made it clear that India’s role in 21st century diplomacy is not just that of a spectator but that of a decisive player. Watch an exclusive analysis by veteran journalist by Manoj Tibrewal Aakash.
PM Modi China Visit: A diplomatic balancing act
New Delhi: Today we will discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China, his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the possible response of the US, its impact on the US tariff war as well as the comments of opposition parties. It is very important to understand the entire incident in a systematic manner because this is not just a visit but can prove to be a milestone in determining the future direction of India's foreign policy and global diplomacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Tianjin where the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit was held. Top leaders of many Asian and European countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, were present in this conference. Modi's visit came at a time when the tension between India and China on the borders of Ladakh has still not completely ended. Also, the Russia-Ukraine war is going on and the US-China trade tension is at its peak. In such a scenario, Modi's presence and his statements naturally became the center of discussion in the global media and diplomatic circles.
Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash said in his special show 'The MTA Speaks', the nature of the meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping was formal, but there was no direct dialogue between the two on the border dispute. Yes, there were talks about trade, regional cooperation and participation in multilateral forums. China currently wants India to show more closeness with it in terms of trade and investment so that the US's increasing tariffs and efforts to isolate it globally can be balanced. But India's approach is cautious. Until the situation on the border becomes normal, Delhi's trust in Beijing will remain limited.
The most important moment came when Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin had a bilateral meeting. This meeting was special in many ways. First of all, both the leaders tried to give the message that the old trustworthy relationship between India and Russia still exists. India agreed to further deepen energy supply and defense cooperation from Russia. Putin assured Modi that Russia will keep the supply of oil and gas stable to ensure India's energy security. The second important thing was that Modi and Putin discussed the peaceful solution to the Ukraine war.
Modi again reiterated that "this is not the era of war" and a solution can be found only through dialogue. The third important thing was related to the defense sector. The two leaders agreed on the delivery of the S-400 missile defense system, joint production projects and maritime security cooperation. The fourth feature was that both also considered the possibilities of cooperation in the Arctic region and the Indian Ocean. The fifth point was that Putin and Modi presented their relations as an example of "strategic autonomy" despite US-Western pressure. This was an indication that India will take decisions based on its interests, and not under the pressure of any group.
Now the question arises as to how the US will view this entire visit and especially the meeting with Putin. The US has already imposed strict sanctions against Russia. It has tried to isolate Russia internationally over the Ukraine war. At such a time, India's high-level engagement with Russia is a matter of concern for Washington. However, the US also knows that India is an important strategic partner for it, especially to balance China. Therefore, the US will refrain from expressing complete displeasure, but will definitely express discomfort in the back channel. American experts may say that India should maintain distance with Russia, but India's compulsion is that its energy needs are met at cheaper rates from Russia and a large supply of defense equipment also comes from there.
The impact of Modi's visit will be seen differently in the context of the US-China tariff war. At present, the US has imposed heavy tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars imported from China. China wants to make more connections with a big market like India to balance this pressure. But India is being cautious in its strategy. It does not want to give an open door to China. Yes, by standing on the same platform with Russia and China, Modi definitely showed that India is working on the policy of "strategic balancing". That is, on the one hand, cooperation with America on platforms like Quad and I2U2, and on the other hand, participation with Russia and China in SCO and BRICS. This gives India flexibility at the global level and it does not have to depend on any one pole.
But the opposition parties reacted strongly to this visit. Congress accused PM Modi of bowing down to China. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh even said that it was a "day of humiliation in Tianjin" where "the elephant bowed down to the dragon." He also alleged that the Modi government was adopting double standards on terrorism--on one hand, a tough statement on Pakistan, on the other, silence on China's obstinacy. Congress leaders questioned whether the "new normal" will now be defined by China's aggression and our government's weakness.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the Modi government's foreign policy. He said that the Modi government's "flip-flop" attitude is making India weak internationally. According to Owaisi, sometimes making statements against China, and sometimes smiling on the same stage--this inconsistent policy is damaging India's credibility.
Rahul Gandhi had already warned that the Modi government's policies are strengthening the dangerous military alliance of China and Pakistan. He says that the government only pretends, but the reality is this
That the situation on the border is constantly deteriorating. Rahul Gandhi also called Operation Sindoor and the purchase of defense equipment a "political drama" and said that this is being done only to divert the attention of the public.
It is clear from these opposition statements that politics has also intensified regarding this visit of Modi. The ruling party claims that Prime Minister Modi has raised India's voice on the international platform and underlined India's importance among countries like Russia and China. At the same time, the opposition says that this visit highlights India's weakness and the Prime Minister has adopted a posture of surrender in front of China.
The reality is probably somewhere in between these two. This visit of Modi was an attempt to strike a diplomatic balance. India needs America and Western countries for technical, capital and strategic cooperation. But at the same time energy and defense cooperation from Russia is also essential. China, whether as an enemy or as a rival, is a neighboring superpower that cannot be completely ignored. In such a situation, India will have to register its presence on every platform. Going to SCO and meeting Putin is a part of this strategy.
There have been mixed reactions to this visit around the world. Russia described it as a symbol of strengthening relations. China said that India and China can together advance regional stability. The US officially exercised restraint but analysts believe that Washington is not happy with it. European countries have also noticed India's stance and realized that India wants to maintain its strategic independence.
Now the question is what immediate benefit did India get from this visit. First, there was assurance on energy supply from Russia. Second, there was a concrete discussion on defense cooperation. Third, India's activism was seen on the international platform. Fourth, India gave the message of maintaining dialogue with both its old friend Russia and neighboring rival China. And fifth, it told the world that India is not completely in any one camp but is firm on its independent foreign policy.
This visit will affect all three - India-US relations, India-Russia partnership and India-China equation in the coming days. The US would want India to distance itself from Russia, but India will maintain this relationship keeping in view its needs. China would like India to increase economic cooperation with it, but India will remain cautious due to the border dispute. Russia would like India to bring it out of international isolation, and India will try to maintain this balance.
Overall, Modi's visit to China and his meeting with Putin once again made it clear that India's role in 21st century diplomacy is not just that of a spectator but that of a decisive player. Whatever allegations the opposition may make on this, but India's presence in the global perspective and its independent voice cannot be denied.
