The new wave of Anti-Semitism in Europe

While Europe boasts of great cultural assimilation the recent incidents of the Charlie Hebdo and the targeted attacks on Jews in Toulouse, Brussels, Paris and now in Copenhagen indicate otherwise. Recent killings in Copenhagen and subsequent attacks on Jews brought to fore the characteristic anti-Semitism of the European society. Anti-Semitism had its roots in Christian beliefs in Europe from the medieval period who believed that Jews were collectively responsible for the death of Jesus. They were accused of murdering the children of Christians and using their blood in religious rituals. Further the claims of the well poisoning and host desecration has propelled the European persecution of the Jews and expulsion of Jews from England, France. Spain and Portugal witnessed such largest forced expulsions in 1492 and 1496 respectively and Jews were ordered either to convert to Christianity or forced to emigrate.

During renaissance period in Europe, Jews who were experts in commerce and banking were partly patronised and employed by the Monarchs with special privileges as treasurers. But in the event of collapse of the kingdom or death of the Monarch, Jews who were their right-hand were mercilessly persecuted. Jewish population was mostly concentrated in the central and eastern part of Europe but further penetration into Russia was restricted to protect the interest of their local merchants. By the end of 19^th century a new wave of anti-Semitism spread across Europe denying Jews of equal civil rights sparking riots that killed thousands of Jews. Finally in The Holocaust from 1941-46 six million Jews or nearly two-thirds of European Jews were murdered by Nazi’s. The surviving Jews began to emigrate to Great Britain, the US and the British controlled Palestine. Post-1945 the pogrom continued in several disguised forms and after the foundation of Israel and escalation of Israeli- Arab conflict a new form of anti-Semitism began to emerge.

Since the year 2000, there has been significant rise in anti-Semitism in Europe with increase in verbal attacks against Jews, fire bombings of schools and desecration of cemeteries and synagogues. The rise can be attributed to the Muslim anti-Semitism that began to brew due to the failure of assimilation of the Muslim immigrants. Subsequently they were drawn towards the fundamentalist ideas which leading to massive radicalisation of the Muslim youth. Moreover the escalation of Israeli-Palestine conflict has sown seeds of hatred towards Jews. European Jews were perceived pro-Israeli by the Muslims and thus became targets of intense hatred. Post 2008 economic recession in Europe the angst against Jews received impetus with a rise in anti-Semitic rightist political parties.  

The recent killings of Jews in Copenhagen and Paris epitomized resurgence of age-old anti-Semitism. While the political parties and people expressed solidarity and support to the bereaved community, the stark increase in crimes against Jews is a harbinger for greater unrest in the society. European political parties which were earlier Muslims-centric are now leaning towards Jews. Ever since the eruption of air strikes between Israel and Palestine in 2014 targeted killings have become more frequent foreboding looming dangerous repercussions on the European society. Meanwhile Benjamin Netanyahu impelled Jews to emigrate to Israel, but the European Jews intend to return to their native land out of love not fear.  

Europe has already become salubrious for Islamic extremism and the unbridled anti-Semitism can threaten to push the continent into a veritable den of violent and brutal killings. Growing incidents of targeted attacks have terrorised the Jews who are living under constant threat and insecurity. Security has been beefed up at synagogues, religious congregations and Jewish Institutions to rein covert attacks. But additional layers of protection and deployment of elite police indicate that lives of Jews in particular are under danger.

With unhindered spread of Islamic State the obnoxious fundamentalism is set spread to African countries and the Mediterranean region. Meanwhile the unabated unrest in the Middle East is bound to increase influx of Muslim migrants to Europe. Hence European countries should jointly step into action with a concrete framework of legal action to stem the rot the Islam extremism and anti-Semitism. EU must intensify operations to hunt down terrorists through vigilant surveillance and nip their nefarious activities. Any dereliction or lee-way in curtailing the radical Islam terror and anti-Semitism can threaten the very essence of the continent which was built on the principles of freedom of thought and speech.

While the anti-Jewish feeling has declined significantly among the non-Muslim Europeans, rightist political parties that once embraced anti-Semitism are now strictly opposed to the immigration of the Muslims. Besides increasing security in the terror-prone regions, the long term proactive strategy of the European countries must be to bolster the intelligence services and partaking extensive combing operations.

The remarkable story of Jews is marred by incidents of relentless persecution through the course of the history epitomises extraordinary resilience and triumph. The creation of Israel in 1948, a permanent abode for Jews and the return of Jews to Germany after the Holocaust displays their indomitable spirit. Western European countries still have sizeable populations of Jews and the strongly entrenched hatred towards them might have a great bearing on the progress and development of the continent altogether.

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The Contentious Ukraine Issue

While a cease fire agreement has been reached at Minsk urging the parties to refrain from fighting from February 15^th night, shelling in the eastern region continues unabated. The pro-Russian rebels are hardly deterred by the proposals of the agreement. Intense clashes for more than a year had ripped apart Ukraine turning it into a war-zone. The continuous ebb and tides of attacks between the forces and separatists showed no signs respite across the South-east border of Ukraine forcing the parties to chalk out a cease fire agreement.

Ukraine, the eastern most country of Europe hardly makes waves in the global news but for its incessant protests and eruptions of violence. The fierce rivalry and intense competition between the West and Russia for Ukraine can be attributed to its geostrategic location. It was the second largest country in the erstwhile USSR. With a population of 46 million it is one of the biggest countries in Europe and the best markets for European and Russian goods. It is also the second largest country in Europe after Russia and is 15% bigger than France, the third largest country in Europe. It shares a long border of around 1600 km with Russia making it the best bet for the West and Europe to curtail the expansive trail of Russia.

Before annexation of Crimea, a region gifted to Ukraine by Russia, Sevastopol City located in Crimean peninsula used to serve as the largest naval base for Russia. Even the head quarters for Russian black fleet were located in Crimea. In 2010 in a bid to reward Ukraine for allowing continuous and extensive use of the naval fleet by Russia offered to sell oil and gas to Ukraine at much cheaper prices. Ukraine also borders the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungry and Moldova. It prime location allows Ukraine to play a crucial role in Eastern and Central Europe.

Besides its strategic geographical location the country is economically lucrative. It is manufacturing hub of intercontinental ballistic missiles, transport planes and launch pads for rockets. It has 15 nuclear reactors managed by Energoatom contributing to 50 % of power supplies to the country. These nuclear reactors can be suitably converted to manufacture nuclear weapons hence highly rewarding for nuclear proliferation activities. It is major producer and exporter of steel and essential backbone for the shipbuilding and auto industries. It is major transit point for supply of oil and natural gas for Russia to Central Asia and Europe. Currently 70% of Russian gas and oil pipelines carrying supplies to the Western Europe run through Ukraine. Any disruption to these supplies might entail untold sufferings to millions of Europeans.  Ukraine is endowed with fertile black soils making it the most sought after place for food production and animal husbandry. It has potential to turn into the bread basket of Europe.

Ukraine and Russia are intertwined with a shared history of over 1000 years and even now nearly 20% of Ukrainians are Russians. Ukraine has been a troubled state as it is caught in violent tug of war between its past and future. Majority of ethnic Russians in Ukraine primarily live in eastern and Southern borders of Russia, the region of troubled conflicts as they are pro-Russian. After the ascent of Putin in 2000 with surge in global oil prices Russian economy was revitalised whereby Putin made attempts to prevent Ukraine from leaning towards west and aligning with Europe. But the younger generation of Ukrainians were eager to steer clear of the Russian style of functioning and aspired for a pluralistic society. The famous, Orange Revolution of 2004 was fall out of the active Russian involvement in the Ukrainian politics where by people launched huge protests on the roads to express their resentment. Following the intervention of international observers, the results of the hugely rigged elections were reversed which were tilted in the favour of pro-Russian leader Victor Yanukovych. Ukrainians celebrated this huge victory, but again in the election of 2010 President Yanukovych regained power. But what spurred the present clashes has been the sudden change of decision by the President Yanukovych in November 2013 to snap ties with Europe in favour of closer economic ties with Russia. Ukrainians suspecting a foul play hit back streets again paving way for the ouster of Yanukovych who took exile in Russia in February 2014. Petro Poroschenko, an oligarch and former trade minister backed by Washington and Brussels was reinstated in his place as the new President after legitimate electoral process in June 2014.

With forced impeachment of President Yanukovych, Russia felt threatened and to safe guard Russian interests in Ukraine, Russian Parliament in March 2014 approved military intervention. Under the opposition regime, pro-Russian activists occupied government buildings in the cities of Donestk, Luhansk and Kharkiv. Ukraine’s acting President in April ordered military operation against pro-Russian rebels. Meanwhile pro-Russian separatists declared independence of Donestk and Luhansk after unrecognised referendums and intensified their activities. In June 2014, EU signed a landmark association agreement with Ukraine. With the tragic shoot down of the Malaysian plane carrying 298 people in July pro-Russian rebels were held responsible and international sanctions were imposed on Russia. Rebels in turn made more advances and captured Novoazovsk and Russia extended humanitarian aid to them. A truce was stuck between pro-Russian rebels and Ukraine in September followed by subsequent withdrawal of Russian troops from the eastern border. Russia agreed to supply oil to Ukraine in a deal brokered by EU. By November, separatists in eastern Ukraine elected new leaders backed by Russia. Ukrainian President, angered by derailment of peace process, readied troops to attack the separatists. Since then two eastern regions of Ukraine have been witnessing dangerous conflict between the Ukrainian forces and the pro-Russian separatists.

Russia bestows tremendous support to Ukraine and expects its allegiances to it. Post cold- war with collapse of the mighty Soviet Union, Russia is harbouring the burden of defeat. Substantially after losing most its satellite countries to the NATO alliance, any external intervention in its immediate neighbourhood is deciphered as a threat to its sovereignty. As a result, West’s allurement of Ukraine deeply enrages it. Ukraine is as important to Russia as Taiwan is for China. After the collapse of Soviet Union, Russia wanted to align with its satellite countries to foster the doctrines of Socialism but failed miserably. Russia intended to create Eurasian Union (EAU) a rival to EU with Ukraine as a key member. Its initiative suffered a massive setback with a dramatic shift in Ukrainian government to be part of NATO. It is pertinent that Russia would escalate the issue if West is too keen to arm the Ukrainians. Ukraine for the west is the choicest delicacy it aspires to have on its platter, but it could be its worst nightmare, if it wants to munch on it. If the west intends to hunt down Russian troops in Ukraine, the trick might boomerang as Russia might arm Iran triggering a massive unrest in the Middle-East.

 

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Thumping Victory of AAP: A critical Analysis

The stupendous victory of the berated underdogs AAP in the capital city has more lessons to offer to the complacent ruling party enveloped by smugness and for the fledging regional political parties as well. Mercurial Kejriwal has turned into a national icon drawing the euphemisms of political strategists and common man. Ecstasy of supporters of AAP and its leaders knew no bounds as the unexpected electoral bonuses drenched them. As the margin of victory began to swell, AAP was overwhelmed by the burden of expectations too. Astounding victory of AAP packed off parties and political strategists into a contemplative mode who are trumped by its inventiveness and futuristic mode of politics.

The massive mandate of the political debutante AAP was particularly hailed by parties who abhorred the invincibility of BJP and rejoiced its political drubbing. It is indeed very alluring to analyse the electoral picture and its outcomes as the underdog and political novice has handed over worst defeat to BJP, its most contentious political rival. As most political pundits opine, the staggering defeat of BJP is cumulative effect of massive negative voting against the incumbent party and doesn’t indicate an unwavering support for the AAP. Analysis of the vote share indicates that BJP has more or less retained its loyal vote bank.  In 2013 Assembly elections with a vote share of 33% BJP won 31 seats share whereas 32% vote share in 2015 reduced them to 3 seats. On the other hand, the total vote share of 25% lost by Congress and other parties aligned up with the AAP. Thus upping the ante against the BJP and increasing the vote share of AAP to 55%. The net effect of negative voting resulted in rout of BJP.

The most important aspect that reduced BJP has been its campaigning style and tone. It was carried away by the negative style of the electioneering. It made mockery of its own commitment towards development based agenda by resorting to personal attacks on Kejriwal and his family. By dubiously yielding to enticement of mudslinging and attacking with below belt blows it poorly lost the plot. Kejriwal and Co outperformed BJP by sticking to the core issues and by obfuscating the questions posed by BJP whereas BJP was wading through the negative campaign trail blazed by AAP against its key leaders. By superciliously failing to learn the lessons which trounced the Congress during the Lok Sabha elections wherein Mani Shankar’s insensitive Chaiwala comments of Modi catapulted him to centre stage and eventually steered into power. Callous and negative criticism against Kejriwal spear headed by Modi in his inaugural election campaign blew a death blow to the BJP’s chances of heralding power in Delhi.

Altogether there were endless list of anomalies that etched the BJP’s campaign. Parachuting of Kiran Bedi into BJP’s camp 20 days before election and conferring her with the honour of Chief ministerial candidate sparked dissent and anger among the party cadres. The disgruntlement did fade away after initial ruffling of feathers publicly but it dented the enthusiasm of the party workers. This weakened the momentum of active campaigning. Right from announcing the prospective contesting candidates to laying out well-chalked manifesto’s BJP has drawn cold feet and lagged behind its rival. The candidates and cadre were ill-prepared and nearly lost connect with the common man. Against the constituency specific manifesto prepared by AAP, BJP drew a blank and postulated a vision document for the capital leaving the masses confused about its agenda. It grossly failed to narrate its agenda for the capital. Overpowered by hubris BJP underestimated its opponent and failed to attract and strike a chord with the youth who warmly supported for Modi during 2014 general elections. Extending a cordial welcome to massive ingress of defectors from major parties raised doubts about the moral high grounding of the party. In sharp contrast to AAP’s election preparedness, BJP’s campaign appeared old, worn out, cynical lacking positivity.

After its much touted debut in 2013 Delhi elections AAP entered the LokSabha elections as strong favourites but could romp home 4 seats. Undeterred by the defeat and humiliation of resigning from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi, Kejriwal drew courage and strategized his next move. In the first ever gesture by a politician he publicly apologised to people of Delhi and impelled them to give him another chance. AAP then prevailed and allured the youth and the masses of Delhi with an implausible list of subsidies and freebies. It treaded carefully and redoubled its impact by effectively narrating its policies on the social media networks. The task of establishing connect with people was managed by its reticent army of volunteers and finances were raised by crowd sourcing. With things in place it slowly took over the trusted vote banks of Congress and other socialist parties which lost relevance due to unfulfillment of their promises to the lowest rung of the society. AAP cuddled up to Christians during their protests against Churches and with the fatwa issued by the Imam Bukhari to vote for AAP, its prevalence and penetration in the capital was absolute. With the unparalleled and enviable rise of Kejriwal, Aam aadmi’s aspirations of rising to pinnacles of power were bolstered. Hence it is perceived that astronomical rise of Kejriwal is expedited by the smugness of the ruling party and erosion of people’s trust in Modi. Success of AAP is infectious and regional parties should take a leaf out of AAP’s illustrious book. Augured by its triumphant victory it would be premature to elevate AAP to a national party status.

 In reality the success of AAP would be hard to replicate in states with viable multiple political parties. In Delhi AAP’s upward trail has been speeded up decimation of Congress and obliteration of its support base. It was a contest of BJP Vs AAP (in other wards anti-BJP forces). The socio-political terrain of Delhi is completely different and it is encumbered by ever widening inequalities. A possible leftist kind of agenda is apt for its public reeking under constant assault and high-headedness of privileged class. But the approach and manifesto of AAP would hold no ground in other metros and states whose socio-economic terrain is different. With this humongous mandate, expectations are sky high and AAP’s urban governance should speak now.........

 

 

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Closely Drawn Battle Lines in Delhi

In the most tumultuous election campaigning ever experienced in the capital city BJP and AAP are vying for the top post in a closely drawn battle. The unchallenged 15 year tenure of Congress in Delhi received a massive jolt in the 2013 assembly elections entered the phase of decadence now. Pushed into a distant third congress is almost necked out of the race. Even as the din and clamour of election campaigning officially ended yesterday, there is a growing trepidation and excitement about the results. By and large the outcome is believed to be proportional to the voter turnout. To augment electoral enthusiasm news channels are cramming in round the clock debates, personal interviews of the political leaders, live telecast of election rallies and huge array of pre-poll analysis.

No other city in India is so encumbered by the highhandedness of politicians, bureaucrats and police as Delhi. It’s a city where human dignity is constantly assaulted by the overbearance of the trio and acclaimed popular disrepute for the brazenness of its inhabitants. Delhi is distinctly different from other metropolis and intellectuals prefer to call it a humongous village. The uniqueness of the place is nonpareil. The complex web of the national capital encompasses ultra billionaires, intellectuals, politicians, officials and a huge section of slum-dwellers & daily wage earners. The quiddity of Delhi was truly reflected by the unpredictable and spectacular rise of AAP in the 2013 assembly elections.

The capital city is home for lakhs of migrant workers and unskilled labour from the adjacent states who are intimidated constantly by brutal inequalities. Living under miserable conditions their livelihoods are under threat. AAP could connect and voice out the frustrations of the alienated and unheard class of people. It reflected the deep seated angst of the lower class towards the existing privilege culture in Delhi. By showering empathy and respect towards this section, AAP soon surged into the regional party of Delhi. It sustained its relevance and commitment towards people by highlighting the issues of water and electricity. The phenomenal popularity and elevation of the anti-corruption crusader Kejriwal and AAP highlights the empowerment of the Aam Aadmi into politician. While political parties attributed Kejriwal 49-day rule to his political incompetence, small traders, rickshaw pullers and road side vendors hailed his bribe-free regime.

AAP over powered by its tremendous success in Delhi contested 400 seats all over India in Loksabha elections and won 4 seats. The party was snubbed for its failure in replicating its magic. While AAP could firmly and fiercely establish ground in Delhi with its leftist motives its relevance could hardly evoke interest in other metros. Delhi has been the domain of the uber-rich and influential where common man’s concerns were disdained. AAP began foraying vigorously to woo minorities who earlier had allegiances to Congress. Just as Siva Sena dominated Maharashtra, with its Maratha crusade, AAP is trying to posit itself in Delhi. After the Loksabha debacle, taking cues from its hubris, AAP silently began to establish connect with people. Overwhelmed by the unprecedented support of Delhi electorate for the LokSabha elections, BJP underestimated the penetration and grass root connect of AAP in Delhi.

With decimation of Congress both at the centre and state, AAP shifted its focus from its core issue of corruption to subsidized electricity and access to drinking water. As the string of failures continues to haunt Congress, the real contest for power in Delhi is between BJP and AAP. BJP rose to the highest pinnacles of power by pitching on the aspirational power of the middle class. With agenda for change and good governance BJP triumphantly occupied echelons of power. BJP was castigated by political parties as rightist and communal whose affiliation to the Hindutva ideologues is open secret. While there is no denial of fact that BJP was voted to power on the agenda of development, a strong mobilisation of Hindu votes ensured victory. With the rise of religious extremism across the globe Hindus being majority are feeling marginalised since all political parties in India rush to rescue minorities. Unfortunately religion has been a potential trump card in Indian politics and an expertise in the art of coaxing minorities’ so far ensured ascendancy.

Earlier in 2014 Delhiites unanimously voted BJP which bespeaks of its potential and reliable vote banks. Eight months into Modi government people have witnessed fundamentalist rhetoric of BJP and current elections would testify people’s trust in Modi’s ability. BJP with recent spate of electoral successes in four states is riding high and feeling invincible. With strident call from all leftist parties, TMC and others to support AAP, BJP readied its frontal attacks by launching all its cabinet ministers for election campaigning. Besides core electoral issues, election season in the capital witnessed an unprecedented number of changeovers. Loyalists disenchanted with parent parties crossed over to rival parties. Arrayed with allegations and massive sting operations, these elections added extra tinge of tamasha to the never ending drama of India politics. 

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China levitates as an Alternative Global Banker

China with its huge chunk of foreign reserves is posing new challenges to International Monetary Fund by responding to the alarm bells of foundering governments. The new facet of China began to take shape as it harped on a new journey by generously donating $50 billion to the cash-strapped Venezuelan economy since 2007. With the country trying to stave off deep recession the chances of repayment are far from doubtful. Another major recipient of Chinese funds is Argentina, struggling with its dwindling foreign reserves. As the oil prices crashed to record low, Russian economy too tumbled down and China offered credit to it. It is worth reckoning that all these three resource-rich nations virtually shunned by the World were rescued by China. With these acts of offering credit to nations, China not only asserted itself as a major economy but emerged as challenger to the Bretton Woods institutions dominated by the US. Till the year 2010 China was recipient of foreign aid now in the new role of saviour it is trying to position itself as the champion of developing world.

In recent times IMF and World Bank earned an infamous reputation for attaching too many pre-conditions to loan while China has been undemanding. China’s new role as a banker is raising concerns among the West for the use of Yuan is growing and slowly threatening the domination of the western financial institutions.  Although the newly acclaimed financial messiah status of China is under severe scrutiny, its intentions seem to be less sinister. China in return for its monetary support, it demanded nations to award contracts to Chinese construction companies and the motto seems to be business is business. Since a long time developing nations (China, India and Brazil) have been demanding World Bank and IMF for larger voting rights. Though an agreement was stuck in 2010 to boost voting power of the emerging markets, America continues to dominate with its veto power. With the congress tight-lipped and failing to ratify the deal over IMF, there is little representation for the emerging countries.

As per new IMF report China is poised to surpass America as world’s biggest economy within a decade. Consequently, China is firmly determined to etch a new financial testament. Accordingly, China pledged $50 billion for instituting New Development Bank with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). America lobbied its allies to steer clear of China during the creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a rival bank Japan’s Asian Development Bank (ADB) in October 2014. Unrelenting China with 24 signatory countries successfully launched AIIB with share capital of $100 billion. In a move to gain power befitting a giant economy of its size, it launched $40 billion worth Silk Road Fund. With China now emerging as an alternative banker to the World, IMF and World Bank might consider charting new reforms.

Financial pundits opine that China’s largesse is purely mercantilism. Its long term plan is to internationalise Yuan similar to Bank of England’s role as lender in 1866 to establish Sterling as international currency. China in its effort to prevail as a champion is doomed to entail financial losses as the countries (Argentina and Venezuela) which received support hardly show any signs of revival. But as the unexplained steadily increased outflows touching new peaks China must be cautious. Having quickly realised its folly, China is now trying to finance specific projects.

China has logged into business of development finance to make better use of its resources and not to fritter away in corrupt nations. Moreover by investing in multilateral institutions it has implicitly admitted that unilateral approach was not working. Evidently the West seasoned to downplay the role of developing countries is rattled by the growing global clout of China. Together, China’s desideratum suggests that it has no intention to overpower the existing financial institutions instead it aspires for a greater global role and recognition for its illustrious economic stature.

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Building bonds with China

After the fortuitous visit of President of Obama there has been spirit of renewed enthusiasm between both countries. But this charter of Indian foreign policy has heightened apprehensions of China who was busy reading between the lines. To assert ties with the Asian giant following the departure of Obama New Delhi deployed foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj and the new foreign secretary Jai Shankar, adept in the trade of diplomacy to allay the strategic anxieties of Beijing with a message of friendship and understanding. As a part of affirmative action Sushma Swaraj laid foundation for the Prime Minister Modi’s long overdue trip to Beijing in May.

The synergy between India and China froze over a period of time due to the Nehruvian legacy and the debacle of the 1962 Indo-China war. Further, the recent aggressions along the Depsang plains in 2013 and consequent military build up just before the visit of Premier Li Keqiang in Chumar last summer and unrelenting aggression during the visit of Xi Jinping hamstrung efforts of India to rev up bilateral ties between the two nations. These irritants constantly remind India of the urgent need to resolve border disputes with China at the earliest. Reducing abrasions along border can alone impart needed momentum to renovate bilateral engagement between both nations. Previous governments hamstrung by coalition compulsions failed to proactively engage with China. Now BJP, with absolute majority in Lower House and poised to extend it to other house is bereft of any obligations must leave no stone unturned to exterminate the border hostilities. Swaraj during her visit prodded her Chinese counterpart to explore the possibility of out-of-box solutions for the same. She asserted that friendly ties with the US do not cast a shadow on its relations with China. President Xi broke the protocol and met Swaraj to express his solidarity.

With Modi at the helm of foreign policy, India is rapidly evolving and framing new global rules to advance its economic and strategic interests. Accordingly, India signalled its intentions to work with China by lending support to the BRICS New Development Bank and signed the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank both dominated by China. Thus New Delhi asserted its intentions of actively engaging with China. While some progress has been made during President Xi’s visit to India in manufacturing sector and resulted in Chinese investments of $1.1 billion there is a greater scope for cooperation in different areas. Currently, Indo-China trade is pegged at $38 billion which is much lower than Pakistan ($66 billion), its irreplaceable-all weather friend. It is important to reiterate that despite its strategic polarities, China’s trade with the US accounts is worth $570 billion. The challenge for Modi’s government would be to consolidate ties with the US to checkmate the strategic overtures of China without undermining the long term economic entitlements by actively engaging with Beijing.

The opening of alternative motorable route through Tibet to Kailash Yatra marked the beginning of new chapter in the Indo-Chinese relations.  India registered yet another major achievement during the trilateral summit of foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC). China and Russia decided to back India for moving proposal of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism against Pakistan for sheltering and facilitating terrorists responsible for the carnage of 26/11 and other attacks in the UN. This staggering move not only jolted Pakistan but it is also firm acknowledgement of the terror menace Beijing has been facing in its territory of Xinjiang. Above all this reflects China’s convictions of partnering with India. Further Russia and China pushed for larger role of India in the UN, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Aggressive Chinese expansionist tendencies are cause of major of concern to India. Modi during his visits to Tokyo and Washington elicited his fears about the same. But to realise the dream of Asian century, both nations should forge new bonds of friendship without overstepping on the contentious issues of the border disputes. While China is squeamish about the South China Sea and aggrieved by India’s interests in this region, New Delhi must make Beijing realise that more than half of its trade transits through it. To emerge as an economic power, India has to seek access to Chinese markets and welcome its investments too. In return, India too must have a calibrated approach towards the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative of China to boost trade and connectivity ties. Till date India’s access of Chinese markets especially IT and pharmaceuticals have been limited. Indo-Chinese relations are impeded by serious mistrust. In spite of ancient cultural linkages between the nations, grave misunderstanding and misperceptions have dominated the relationships.

In the meanwhile Pakistan extended invitation to President Xi Jinping as the Chief Guest to preside over the parade for the Pakistan Day on March 23^rd. The last joint military parade took place in 2008 during the tenure of President Pervez Musharraf. India must rejuvenate all its efforts to mitigate the trust deficit and should reiterate its interest in strengthening ties with Beijing. Being home of one third of humanity and sitting over a huge stock of reserves, India cann’t afford to undermine bilateral ties with China.

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