An opinion piece featured in China's state-run Global Times has commended India's strategic confidence and proactive stance over the past four years, emphasizing the shaping of a distinctive "Bharat narrative." Zhang Jiadong, the director of Fudan University's Centre for South Asian Studies, delved into India's noteworthy accomplishments in his recently published article, dated January 2, in the state-controlled newspaper.
The piece not only recognized India's economic advancements but also highlighted improvements in urban governance and a notable shift in its approach to international relations, particularly with China. Zhang observed that India's economic development and social governance have been remarkable, with the economy gaining momentum and positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
Addressing the trade imbalance between China and India, Zhang pointed out a shift in focus from India's representatives, who formerly concentrated on China's measures to reduce the imbalance. Now, there is an increased emphasis on India's export potential in these discussions.
The article discussed India's evolution in political and cultural spheres, noting a transition from emphasizing democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the distinct "Indian feature" of democratic politics. The current discourse places even more significance on the Indian origins of democratic politics, reflecting India's ambition to break free from its historical colonial past and assume the role of a "world mentor" both politically and culturally.
Zhang also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's multi-alignment strategy, highlighting its role in strengthening ties with the United States, Japan, and Russia. The article specifically acknowledged India's nuanced stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a testament to this strategic approach.
Prime Minister Modi's advocacy for a multi-alignment strategy has significantly influenced India's relationships with various countries and regional organizations, according to Zhang. The article pointed out that India, which has always considered itself a world power, transitioned from multi-balancing to multi-alignment in less than a decade. The pace of these changes is described as rare in the history of international relations, positioning India on a trajectory toward becoming a pole in the multipolar world.
Recognizing India as a "major power" on the global stage, Zhang concluded by stating that the transformed, stronger, and more assertive India has emerged as a new geopolitical factor that demands consideration from many countries.
