External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Met Chinese President Xi Jinping at SCO Summit. China, grappling with Trump's Tariff War, is appealing to India and Russia to enhance trilateral cooperation.
India-China Relation: Relations between India and China have been strained for the past few years, especially after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. However, there are now signs of improvement in these relations. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and met Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting is considered significant because China is currently grappling with America's tariff war and is seeking new avenues for cooperation with India.
Bitterness in Relations After Galwan
The violent clash in the Galwan Valley created a significant rift in India-China relations. Talks regarding the border dispute between the two countries continued for a long time, but a lack of trust persisted. Meanwhile, tensions also escalated on the economic and military fronts. India banned Chinese apps and took steps towards self-reliance in trade.
Beginning of Relaxation Seen at SCO Summit
S. Jaishankar's visit to China at the SCO Summit held in 2024 has given rise to new possibilities in the relations between the two countries. There are various discussions regarding the secret meeting between S. Jaishankar and Xi Jinping during the summit. It is believed that this meeting is not just a formality but an attempt to lay the foundation for better relations in the future.
China's Economy Under Pressure Due to America's Tariff War
China is currently under economic pressure due to America's tariff war. The tariff policy that started during Donald Trump's tenure is still ongoing, and it has affected China's exports. China now feels the need for countries like India and Russia to maintain its strength on regional and global platforms.
China Wants to Advance the RIC Front
China now wants to activate a new trilateral front, RIC (Russia-India-China), together with Russia and India. The objective of this initiative is not only trade but also to maintain strategic balance. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that cooperation between the three countries would promote regional peace, security, and development.
Russia Has Already Taken the Initiative
The beginning of this trilateral cooperation was not from China but from Russia. Russia initiated dialogue and meetings between the three countries. India is a reliable partner for Russia, from which it gets a large market for defense equipment and energy resources. Amidst Russia's deteriorating relations with Western countries, India has become its diplomatic necessity.
What Does This Initiative Mean for India?
For India, RIC can be a platform where it can protect its interests with both China and Russia without any pressure. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that this dialogue is an opportunity for harmony and cooperation on global issues between the three countries. Mutual consultations are ongoing for the next meeting.
India's Cautious but Balanced Response
India has not given any direct support to China's initiative so far but has maintained a balance in its response. India wants clarity on the border dispute and other sensitive issues before laying the foundation for any deeper cooperation. It is also worth noting that India is also close to the United States, so it does not want to depend on any one axis.
