Modi revives the concept of ‘cultural empire’ to counter China’s influence

By Kartik Lokhande

The recent visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to India and forging of ‘defence co-operation’ between both the countries; and docking in of Chinese submarine allowed by Sri Lanka may appear to be unrelated developments to layman. However, both are related and the second one is rather an indication of Chinese appreciation of India’s systematic attempt to counter the Chinese influence in the form of ‘String of Pearls’ around India.

Going by the flurry of foreign visits and emphasis on forging of ties with strategically, economically, and geopolitically important nations, it is evident that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confidently begun its systematic attempt to counter Chinese ‘String of Pearls’. Inking of pacts between Vietnam and India during the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister, is one important part of Modi Government’s efforts to regain the lost ground of influence in its neighbourhood. One of the agreements signed between both the countries pertains to boosting India’s role in oil exploration by Vietnam in South China Sea. As is known, China and Vietnam have major territorial dispute over South China Sea. 

As has been the case, China has been on a mission to expand its territory and influence right since the time of Mao Tse Tung. First it invaded Tibet, then it needled India in 1962, gradually it staked its claims in South China Sea, and also in naval areas of Vietnamese and Japanese. Further, realising that most of the international oil trade is carried out through Indian Ocean Region, where India enjoys geographically strong position, China has been systematically pinning its presence at important locations in South Africa, Tanzania, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Comoros Islands, Seychelles Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia etc.

The main purpose is to ensure uninterrupted crude oil supply for itself, irrespective of choke points in the Indian Ocean Region. While doing so, China also identified shorter route for crude oil supply, through Pakistan and helped Pakistan build naval base at Gwadar. Meanwhile, it started opposing any ties between Vietnam and India relating to oil exploration in South China Sea. In recent times, there have been instances of flare-ups between China and Vietnam as well as Japan. In East China Sea, China deployed its ships and planes to contest Japan’s control of islands. China also staked its claim over reefs claimed by Philippines. In India’s neighbourhood, China increased its influence by docking its nuclear submarine in Sri Lanka last year.

Long before, the Indian Defence arms had identified these Chinese threats and had warned the then Congress-led Government about the ‘String of Pearls’ being pinned around India by China. Unfortunately, the then Government preferred to remain in the mode of denial. Whenever major instance took place, the Government merely issued a letter or two to China. However, these letters obviously had no impact. As a result, even a small island nation like Maldives acted under Chinese influence and asked Indian company to move out. The reluctance of the then Indian Government was such that it had ignored the need for having an all-weather motorable roads right up to Indo-China border areas. Indian Government even shied away from paying tributes to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives protecting their motherland in the war inflicted by expansionist China in 1962. 

(Published in 'The Hitavada' on editorial (Opinion) page on November 11, 2014)

However, the situation appears to be changing in the past few months with BJP-led Government taking over in the Centre. Despite being Chief Minister of Gujarat state for years, Narendra Modi had been visiting several nations and forging ties to bring in investment to Gujarat. After BJP getting elected to power in the Centre, Modi took over as Prime Minister. Benefited by the experience gained during his visits to other countries, Modi concentrated on reviving the Indian concept of ‘cultural empire’ while reaching out to important nations in the neighbourhood through visits immediately after taking over as Prime Minister. The first visit to a foreign nation by Modi was to Bhutan, India’s immediate neighbour that shares boundary with China.

At the same time, Modi Government has focussed its attention on bolstering its border area infrastructure. Modi announced an important decision to concentrate on development of infrastructure and connectivity in North-Eastern states, right up to borders with China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Though the emphasis is on infrastructure development right up to border with China, the development holds promise of better defence preparedness vis-à-vis other countries. To strike a fine balance between its ties with countries having disputes between them, Modi got good advise on foreign relations. The actions appear to be inspired by better Intelligence inputs. Of course, many say that Intelligence-inspired foreign relations and boosting of defence co-operation with various countries has much to do with Ajit Doval, former Director of Intelligence Bureau, taking over as National Security Advisor. Whatever the case, the results have been positive so far.

Another aspect of going ahead with the concept of ‘cultural empire’ is visible through ‘Make in India’ initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trade has always been considered as foundation of friendly relations between two countries. Understanding this, Modi has invited countries to invest and manufacture here to make India a global manufacturing hub. China has been doing so over the years and has become a hub for manufacture of mobile phone handsets and electronic gadgets. During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India, the Indian President was in Vietnam paving way for inking of pacts between Vietnam and India. Apart from inviting Chinese President to India, Modi also reached out to the US. Soon, he will be visiting Australia.

All these were bound to be noticed by China. Though China has been trying to mount pressure on India through incursions into Indian territory, India is not bogged down by it. Instead, emphasised on ‘peaceful resolution of border dispute’ and strengthening of trade relations with China. As India’s latest efforts to improve foreign relations with emphasise on cultural, strategic, and geopolitical partnerships are gaining her respect and stronger ties; China is getting irritated increasingly. India’s strengthening of her defences also has irked China. India’s emphasis on ‘cultural empire’ is disturbing the ‘territorial ambitions’ of China.

The latest docking in of Chinese submarine allowed in Sri Lanka, close on the heels of Vietnam and India signing important agreements, needs to be seen with reference to these developments. Of course, China will not stop with its policy to ‘needling and meddling’, and India should expect more provocative attempts from China. It will be in the best interest of India to continue treading the path of consolidation.