TLDR;
This episode of "Perspective" on Sansad TV discusses the resumption of direct flights between India and China after a five-year suspension. The discussion revolves around the significance of this step in easing travel, reviving people-to-people contact, and potentially signaling a thaw in India-China relations. Experts discuss the complexities of the relationship, including border disputes, trade imbalances, and China's hesitations in accepting India's rise. They also touch upon the role of younger generations and strategic signaling in navigating this intricate dynamic.
- Resumption of direct flights seen as a positive step towards normalizing India-China relations and boosting people-to-people contact.
- Border disputes and trade imbalances remain significant challenges in the bilateral relationship.
- China's reluctance to fully accept India's rise and its global aspirations is a key point of contention.
- Strategic signaling and diversifying relationships are crucial for India in the current geopolitical landscape.
- Younger generations and cultural exchanges like yoga and Bollywood could play a role in fostering better understanding.
Introduction: Resumption of Direct Flights Between India and China [0:13]
Tina Ja introduces the topic of the program, which is the resumption of direct flights between India and China after more than 5 years. The flights were initially suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later remained inactive due to strained relations following the June 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh. Indigo and Air India are preparing to launch flights between major Indian and Chinese cities. The discussion will focus on the impact of this development on travel and India-China relations.
Current State of India-China Engagement [2:48]
Ambassador Vendra Gupta highlights the significance of resuming flights for people-to-people connections and trade. He believes this move signals a gradual normalization of relations, potentially stemming from agreements made during the Prime Minister's meeting with President Xi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. He emphasizes the need for India to carefully navigate its relationships with various countries in the complex global geopolitical landscape, safeguarding its national interests by optimizing relationships with different groups of countries. He cautions against becoming overly reliant on any single nation, referencing a period when India seemed too focused on its relationship with the United States.
Connectivity as a Confidence-Building Measure [5:19]
Professor Ajay Kumar Dubey emphasizes that connectivity is a confidence-building measure that signals trust and willingness to engage. He notes that the resumption of flights will not only improve passenger convenience and trade but also convey to the world that India and China are communicating and engaging on multiple levels, including economic and people-to-people exchanges. He acknowledges that the absence of such connectivity was a missed opportunity during a period of difficult relations.
Border Dispute and People-to-People Contact [7:46]
Ambassador Gupta acknowledges the serious border dispute and other significant issues causing mistrust between India and China. He points out China's opposition to India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, suggesting that China hasn't fully accepted India's rise. He recalls how India, after the 1962 war, eventually realized the importance of normalizing relations with China, setting aside the border dispute to foster trade and investment. However, he notes that China has not always reciprocated this warmth and needs to address India's core concerns, particularly the massive trade imbalance.
China's Reciprocal Efforts and the Role of Younger Generations [11:41]
Ambassador Gupta discusses the potential impact of people-to-people contact, particularly among younger generations. He mentions the popularity of yoga and Bollywood in China, suggesting that these cultural connections could drive positive change in the relationship. He recounts an anecdote about a Chinese festival in India where Chinese officials emphasized the importance of Bollywood presentations, highlighting its resonance with Chinese youth.
China's K Visa and Attracting Indian Talent [14:39]
Professor Dubey notes that China is now in a mood to engage with India for various global reasons. He discusses China's new K visa program, which aims to attract young talent, including STEM graduates from India, especially as America becomes less accessible. He sees this as a signal that China can help India in meeting certain challenges and is opposing some of the policies that harm India. He emphasizes that despite differences, both countries need to communicate and connect.
Balancing People-to-People Ties and Border Disputes [16:34]
Ambassador Gupta reiterates the importance of messaging and signaling in international relations. He suggests that the recent meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and President Xi took place against the backdrop of worsening India-US relations, with India feeling "flustered" by unexpected behavior from America. He believes that both India and China are trying to send appropriate signals, primarily directed at the United States, indicating that India has other options. However, he cautions that there are limitations on how far the relationship with China can go due to China's hegemonic ambitions and reluctance to fully accept India's role in the region and the world.
India's Response and Strategic Considerations [19:29]
Professor Dubey emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on the potential for connectivity and signaling a way out of the difficult relationship. He acknowledges concerns about diluting India's stance on the border issue but argues that new global challenges are emerging, requiring both countries to negotiate and cooperate. He notes that China has historically been sensitive to being hyphenated with India as a rival but may now be more comfortable with cooperation due to shared interests in the face of Western pressures.
Remaining Cautious and Avoiding a Defeatist Mindset [22:48]
Ambassador Gupta stresses the need for constant vigilance and cautions against a defeatist mindset in dealing with China. He praises Prime Minister Modi for standing his ground in Doklam and the Galwan Valley, breaking away from the historical pattern of being overwhelmed by Chinese superiority. He advocates for a balanced approach, avoiding both aggressive jingoism and a sense of inferiority. He clarifies that while the border dispute cannot be fast-tracked, it is not being put on the back burner either. He emphasizes that better understanding and confidence-building measures are essential for creating a better climate for resolution.