China’s Global Times Lauds India’s Strategic Confidence and Achievements Under PM Modi

In a surprising acknowledgment, China’s leading daily Global Times has praised India, describing it as “more strategically confident” and “proactive” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The article, written by Zhang Jiadong, the director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Shanghai’s Fudan University, highlights India’s achievements in the past four years, particularly in economic growth, social governance, and foreign policy.

Jiadong noted that India has become a major power, undergoing rapid internal and external strategic changes that pose challenges both domestically and internationally. He emphasized that India’s transformation into a more assertive and stronger geopolitical factor is a development that many countries need to consider.

Key Points:

1. Economic Growth: The article acknowledges India’s robust economic growth, citing improvements in urban governance and a shift in attitude towards international relations, including its relationship with China. Previously focused on trade imbalances, India’s representatives are now highlighting the country’s export potential.
2. Democratic Politics: Jiadong notes a shift in India’s approach to democratic politics. While the focus was initially on democratic consensus with the Western world, there is now an emphasis on the “Indian feature” of democratic politics.
3. Foreign Policy: The article lauds India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the multi-alignment approach. India has strengthened ties with major global powers such as the United States, Japan, and Russia while maintaining a nuanced stance in international conflicts, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Conclusion:

The Global Times’ positive assessment of India’s strategic confidence and achievements marks a notable departure from the tense relations between the two countries, especially after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The article suggests that India, as a transformed and assertive power, is becoming a significant player on the global stage, a perspective that might have broader implications for diplomatic relations between the two nations.