<div><em>Prime Minister Modi is strategically using pragmatism as a foreign policy tool with China, says <strong>Sutanu Guru</strong></em><br><br>When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister, this author had interacted with well known American academic, management consultant and conservative strategist Richard D’ Aveni during his visit to India. Richard had an interesting way of outlining India’s future. According to him, America has two neighbors, Canada and Mexico. He said the choices by Indian leaders would decide if the country would be a Canada like neighbour of China or one like Mexico. Going by what Prime Minister Modi has been doing in terms of foreign policy since he took over, Mexico is definitely not an option. When it comes to China, Modi has clearly decided to be neither jingoistic, nor squeamish. A pragmatic pursuit of national interest and plain speak seem to be the strategy.</div><div> </div><div>This becomes evident if you look at how India dealt with China over the issue of Pakistan not doing enough to punish Zakir-ur Rahman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. Some time back, India had pushed for a censure of Pakistan in the United Nations over the issue. But China blocked the resolution claiming India has provided “insufficient information” on the issue.</div><div> </div><div>In less than 24 hours, there was a strong, though measured response from India with a clear hint that Prime Minister Modi had raised the issue personally with the top leadership of China. Read between the lines of the statement issued by spokesperson Vikas Swarup, and it becomes clear: “Government had taken up the issue of violation of the 1267 sanctions regime in respect of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Our concerns in this matter were conveyed to the Chair of the 1267 Committee. We also raised this bilaterally with the other members of the Committee. In the case of China, this matter has been taken up at the highest level,” Under Modi, India will not weep over the close strategic relationship between China and Pakistan, but address it as effectively as possible. </div><div> </div><div>Some Modi Bhakts who revel in jingoism would be disappointed with the seemingly tepid response. But is it tepid? Examine all the steps taken by Modi since May, 2014 and this decision is consistent with his strategy of pragmatic plain speak. Modi is using a two pronged strategy to deal with China. One aspect is that of a rival, if not an adversary. And the other is that of a partner.</div><div> </div><div>Over the last decade or so, strategists in India have been worried about how China is literally encircling India. During the UPA regime, India’s relations with neighbors were not as healthy as they could be. China took advantage of this and forged close strategic ties with countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Pakistan, of course, has been an all weather friend. From the day he took over, Modi has made it crystal clear that a dramatic improvement in relations with neighbors is his first priority. And his government has walked the talk on this. Beyond South Asia, Modi has launched a vigorous Look East policy that is closely engaging the ASEAN nations and Japan. The message to China is quite clear: India will not mind you as a dominant power, but will not allow you the monopoly of unfettered power. Strategists in China seem to be realizing that this is a different India it is dealing with.</div><div> </div><div>Even while trying to forge an Asian Partnership to counter Chinese expansionism, India has taken concrete steps to forge closer economic, financial and trade ties. Modi has promised a red carpet treatment to investors from China who want to set up manufacturing facilities in the country. Foxconn, the manufacturing giant famous for making Apple products, has already announced concrete investment plans. So have many other companies. This Make in India push will also help India reduce its yawning and growing trade deficit with China in the long run.</div><div> </div><div>There is still a long way to go. And it would be unwise to draw quick conclusions. But without a shadow of doubt, Modi deserves a thumbs up for handling China well.</div><div> </div>
