Recently, S Jaishankar, India's Prime Minister S Jaishankar, delivered a series of important speeches in Mumbai, touching on issues such as China-India relations and tensions between India and the Maldives. Jaishankar said it was necessary for India to acknowledge China's influence in India's neighbours, despite the difficulties it has created for India as it has become competitive with its neighbours. He stressed that India should welcome such competition and not be afraid of China. In addition, Jaishankar urged Indians to trust India's foreign policy and called on neighbouring countries to trust each other. It is indeed not easy to say these words in the mouth of India, which has long regarded China as the most challenging competitor and is trying to catch up with China. However, India's own lack of strength has led to its inferiority to China in many aspects, which in turn has deepened its sense of threat to China.
On the diplomatic front, India has become increasingly close to the United States, often provoking China with the United States in an attempt to encroach on China's territory. In terms of economic cooperation, India has often unjustifiably suppressed Chinese companies, especially Chinese companies, even though their protectionist measures are aimed at all foreign-owned enterprises. This attitude raises doubts about whether India is motivated by political considerations. In addition to India's strong competitive mentality towards China as a country as a whole, Jaishankar also has a certain personal hostility towards China. He has publicly criticized India's founding Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for not being tough enough on China, and called on India to be tougher in its dealings with China to safeguard its own interests.
In summary, the reason why Jaishankar suddenly made such a statement is mainly related to South Asian countries such as the Maldives and Bangladesh. Since India sees itself as the "big brother" of South Asia, many small neighboring countries have been dissatisfied with India's hegemonic behavior, believing that India has harmed their interests. What's more, India is also trying to interfere and control these countries. Recently, after the change of regime in the Maldives, the newly appointed ** Mouiz made it clear that China is more important to the development of the Maldives and asked India to withdraw its troops from the Maldives. The statement undoubtedly provoked anger and retaliation in India, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began to call on Indians to avoid vacationing in the Maldives. In addition, India also unilaterally broke the treaty and refused to withdraw its troops, and did not receive an order to withdraw its troops. Bangladesh has also demanded that India withdraw its troops. These opposition actions have caused serious damage to India's influence in the South Asian region.
Judging by the above facts, India's influence in the South Asian region has not been significantly restored, despite its various actions. On the contrary, as India's actions have harmed China's interests, Sino-Indian relations have become increasingly tense, and Chinese companies have reduced their investment in India. Of course, India's actions have isolated it. It is worth noting that while the outcome that India does not want to see is that Bangladesh has strengthened its cooperation with China, it has become clear with whom Bangladesh is working more closely with India's estrangement.
So, whatever the motives for India's current aberrant move, it is certain that India will only reap the consequences if it undermines China's interests.
Faced with China's growing influence in South Asia, India has had to re-examine its relationship with China. Jaishankar's statement is exactly what India recognizes this point for. India needs to embrace China's competition with a more open and cooperative attitude and seek mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Only in this way will India be able to play a more active and important role in the region.
China's influence is growing globally, not just in South Asia. As the world's second largest economy and one of the largest countries, China is becoming the engine of global economic development. China's technology, investment, and markets have a significant impact on the development and prosperity of other countries. Especially under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has carried out extensive cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road, providing these countries with huge development opportunities.
At the same time, China's foreign policy also emphasizes the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit. China actively promotes dialogue and win-win cooperation among countries on an equal footing, and maintains the stability and development of international relations. China's diplomatic stance has been widely recognized and supported, and many countries want to develop closer cooperation with China.
Overall, the South Asian region is facing many challenges and opportunities. As the largest country in the region, India should face up to its own shortcomings, take the initiative to recognize China's influence, and cooperate with China. Only by treating China as an equal, open, and cooperative will India be able to assert a stronger influence in South Asia and realize its long-term interests. At the same time, China should continue to promote the development of relations with India through cooperation and friendship to promote mutual benefit and win-win results for both sides.