Critically assess the evolving convergence of India and China in the areas of trade and environment. (UPSC CSE Mains 2018 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
Sino-India geo-economics is a complex phenomenon characterised by historical contexts and political narratives, and is reshaped every day by popular media representations in both countries. Globalization has created many compulsions for countries when they operate in the international sphere, and at times it also forces the countries to cooperate.
- In terms of trade, for long the global economic order has worked in favour of the West. India and China have therefore worked together in trade negotiations under WTO. The Doha round of talk is a golden example of the same.
- There is also increasing protectionism by the USA. This is witnessed in the America First policy, the trade war and its efforts to undermine WTO. India and China can work together to either reform WTO or create an alternative.
- In the areas of environment also the global sphere of influence has forced cooperation between India and China. Both are part of BASIC countries and also LMDCs (Like-Minded Groups of Developing Countries).
- However, the cooperation is less than optimal. China tends to engage in international climate governance with a more proactive approach, while India, constrained by its development level, has continued to emphasize the traditional stance of a developing country.
- In a multipolar world of increased interdependence, taking hard lines has become difficult. Former foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale calls the present state of India’s relations with other countries as issue-based alliances, rather than non-alliance.
The way ahead is to focus on the political economy of complementarities and synergies between India and China. The outcome of this cooperation must benefit the people of the two countries.
Next
previous
Latest News
EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
General Studies