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A decade after its launch, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has slowed down in South Asia, the result of poorly conceived projects, and irresponsible behavior from borrower and lender alike.
Courtesy: Reuters
The International Monetary Fund’s recent warning of a slowing global trade comes as a sign for South Asia to reassess its regional trade within the continent. India, in its year of G20 Presidency and as South Asia’s largest economy, can use its platform to lead the way via dialogue, capacity building, and regulatory policies to encourage open regionalism in Asia.
Courtesy: BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC is of special importance to India as it is a crucial link between the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. This almost 25 year old multilateral can contribute to the Indo-Pacific region by addressing challenges in strategic areas of regional connectivity, security cooperation, free trade, and geoeconomic ties with external partners.
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, delivered the keynote address at the panel discussion on India in the Indo-Pacific: Pursuing Prosperity and Security, organised by Gateway House and the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, on 1 February 2022. He outlined India's vision for a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and the initiatives undertaken to further cooperation among nations in the region.
Courtesy: MEA Flickr
The current political unrest in Sri Lanka and coups in Maldives and Zimbabwe bear a Chinese imprint. China’s use of strong-arm tactics smacks of the very behaviour that it had earlier criticised in former colonial powers
India and the world have watched China’s growing investment in Asia and beyond with a mix of awe and apprehension. The unprecedented scale of these investments are reshaping political arrangements around South Asia.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
The recent crisis in the Maldives is a pertinent time to revisit an old case, highlighting the political uncertainties in the island nation due to growing Chinese influence and its impact on businesses and investors
Courtesy: Gateway House
With large investments in local infrastructure and tourism, China has become a key player in Maldivian politics
Courtesy: Gateway House
India’s global economic engagement, especially with the developing world, has increased in the last two decades, but trade with South Asia has remained low. It holds the potential for building greater productivity and more inclusive growth in India and the region
Gateway House speaks to Ujal Bhatia, Member, Appellate Body, World Trade Organisation, on the importance of economic diplomacy; India’s assertiveness during trade negotiations; the role of Indian business in the negotiation processes; the relevance of SAFTA; and on ways to boost intra-SAARC trade.
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