Tag: India

The Long View: ABCD of India-China relations

- by Manish Chand

A for Asia. B for Business. C for Culture. And D for Diplomacy and Development. This is the emerging alphabet of multi-faceted engagement between the two Asian powers which are forging a new vocabulary and semantics to script new pathways of cooperation and to reconfigure the evolving world order. The ABCD of India-China relations will find fuller articulation in the September 17-19 visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India, a potentially defining trip which could transform ties between the two Asian neighbours and create new opportunities for their 2.5 billion people, one third of the world’s humanity.

Why Modi-Xi summit matters

When the leaders of India and China hold talks, the world will be watching closely, and not without reason. They are, after all, Asia’s leading economies with a combined GDP of over $11 trillion and proactive stakeholders in crafting an inclusive international world order.

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Modi’s Inch’ & Miles mantra for India-China relations

- by Manish Chand

INCH (India and China) and MILES (Millennium of Exceptional Synergy). This is the new Modi mantra for energising relations between India and China, the two Asian giants which are often portrayed as rivals, but have chosen to be fellow-travellers in the unfolding journey of an Asian century.

A day before China’s President Xi Jinping touches down in India to begin a three-day transformational trip, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled his long-distance vision of India-China relations.

“India and China are bound by history, connected by culture, and inspired by rich traditions. Together they can create a bright future for the entire mankind,” Mr Modi said in a wide-ranging interaction with Chinese journalists a day before he meets the Chinese president in Ahamedabad, the capital of his home state Gujarat which has forged robust economic relations with China.

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Modi invokes Buddha bonding between India and China

- by India Writes Network

Buddha bonding is set to complement the burgeoning business ties between India and China. Imparting a cultural flavour to his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked Buddhism as an age-old connector between the two Asian neighbours and has highlighted Buddhist connections of his home state Gujarat.

“Buddhism is a very strong bond between China & India. In fact, Gujarat too has a very rich Buddhist heritage,” tweeted Modi on September 15.

An article was also posted on the prime minister’s website in English and Mandarin, which showcases the rich “Buddhist heritage in Gujarat”.

A day before he meets the Chinese president in Ahamedabad, Modi underlined the linkages between his hometown of Vadnagar and the famous Chinese explorer and Buddhist priest Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) who “noted the presence of Buddhist monasteries, monks in parts of Gujarat”.

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President Mukherjee’s visit to Vietnam: Buddha, energy and strategy on agenda

- by Manish Chand

Buddha, energy and strategy. They may sound like a fusion menu of sorts, but India’s President Pranab Mukherjee’s first state visit to Vietnam will deftly coalesce diverse strands that make the texture of the vibrant India-Vietnam relationship.

Mukherjee travels to Vietnam on a state visit from September 14 to September 17, which will telescope the trend of multi-alignment in India’s foreign policy. This essentially means aligning with different countries which may be at odds with each other to promote India’s national interests. Significantly, Mukherjee’s visit to Hanoi will be followed by the big-ticket visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India.

While China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, the two countries are not exactly on the best of terms as Vietnam resents what it sees as China’s assertive posturing in South China Sea. India, on the other hand, has shown a talent for juggling its relations with both China and Vietnam.

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