A Recalibration of India's Foreign Policy: The SCO Summit and the Re-engagement with China
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (SCO, BRICS, RIC Trilateral); Bilateral relations with neighbors (China); India's foreign policy.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2: India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests (SCO, RIC); Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests.
Key Highlights from the News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit indicates a significant shift in India's foreign policy outlook.
This is the Prime Minister's first visit to China in seven years. It is seen as a major step towards the normalization process of India-China relations after the 2020 military standoff.
The article assesses that US tariffs and sanctions imposed on India were a major impetus for this change.
The two leaders reached an understanding on border peace, improving economic ties, and resuming visa facilities.
India's concern regarding "cross-border movement of terrorists" being included in the Tianjin Declaration, the joint statement of the summit, is a diplomatic achievement for India.
However, India continued its stance against China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The article also observes that the friendly meeting between Modi, Xi, and Putin could potentially revitalize the dormant Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral.
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