On the international political stage, a stark confrontation between India and China is heating up. Recently, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar embarked on a five-day visit to Russia, which not only expanded economic and trade cooperation with Russia, but also obtained Russia's verbal commitment to "normalization". However, what followed was a series of small measures by India towards China, which led to deep reflection on India's diplomatic strategy.
Sri Lanka has officially notified India that it will no longer allow any Chinese research vessels to dock at its ports or operate in its exclusive economic zone for the next year, the Hindustan Times reported on January 1. This directly affects the Chinese research vessel Xiangyanghong 3, which was originally scheduled to conduct deep-sea exploration in the southern Indian Ocean from January 5 to the end of May 2024, was unable to carry out the planned scientific research activities because it could not obtain permission from the Sri Lankan government. The incident has attracted widespread attention and has raised questions about whether India is putting pressure behind Sri Lanka to take such a stance.
Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean south of the South Asian subcontinent, has been experiencing poor economic development since independence. China has extended a helping hand on many occasions by providing economic assistance and infrastructure construction to help Sri Lanka tide over the difficulties. However, India's special relationship and geopolitical advantages have made Sri Lanka somewhat dependent on India. Perhaps it was this dependence that India was able to exert pressure on Sri Lanka to make the decision not to allow Chinese research vessels to enter the port.
India, having received support from Russia, seems to have become somewhat complacent, and immediately took small measures against China. However, there is widespread concern about whether this narrow diplomatic strategy can really enable India to make a name for itself on the international stage. A country's diplomatic power should be based on genuine cooperation and mutual benefit, rather than seeking so-called "gains" by pressuring other countries.
However, this is not the first time that India has resorted to such a small approach. Recently, India has been trying to influence its neighbors to prevent them from strengthening ties with China. Both Bhutan and the Maldives have encountered Indian intervention to try to prevent them from getting too close to China. India's recent meddling in the Maldives has even involved the new president's visit to China, and this interference has raised suspicions.
India's petty tactics are not limited to Sri Lanka. Recently, India has been trying to influence its neighbors to prevent them from strengthening ties with China. Both Bhutan and the Maldives have encountered Indian intervention to try to prevent them from getting too close to China. India's recent meddling in the Maldives has even involved the new president's visit to China, and this interference has raised suspicions.
India, a country with a long history and a large population, will need a clearer and more pragmatic strategy for its future rise. Unilaterally trying to maintain the so-called "regional hegemon" status by suppressing neighboring countries is not only a short-sighted performance, but also likely to arouse resentment from neighboring countries, and ultimately cause damage to India itself.
In international affairs, it should be based on equality, cooperation and respect, and not on the maintenance of so-called geopolitical status through petty means and pressure. Such a diplomatic strategy is not only unsustainable, but also difficult to gain real prestige in the international community. It is hoped that India will assess the situation, change its diplomatic strategy, and truly become a responsible major country in the international community.