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DEEKSHA CHOURASIAAIR 44· 2025

Question Q.19Discuss in light of recent developments. What should be the contours of India's future China policy?GS2GS2

Providing a brief overview of the aims and objectives of BIMSTEC, explain its significance for India.

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Answer

Main Body

BIMSTEC has recently completed 25 years (1997) and on its 16th summit it has re-iterated its values in form of BIMSTEC charter.

BIMSTEC Charter map showing members: Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka - 7 member part of BIMSTEC.

Aims and objectives of BIMSTEC:

2Cultural progress - similar values and culture.
6Promote tourism.
3Technological co-operation - in upcoming fields like Digital AI and UPI.
4Collective development - of all in the region by human and physical asset.

Significance for India:

1In time with neighborhood first and act east policy
2Promote India's image as 'next security provider'.

(Ex) - Aid to Myanmar after earthquake.

3Technological diplomacy - promote India's OPI (like OPI).
4Cultural connect - with BBIN, Buddhisme, Bollywood, Business.

Additional points noted:

5Infrastructural connect - BBIN Project
6Geopolitical significance - Counter Chinese footprint in India's backyard via SAARC - dysfunctional since 2016, expands BRICS. Ways to strengthen BIMSTEC: Soft power leverage, No ad hoc but regular inter dialogue with nations.

BIMSTEC as PM Modi said, can be a bridge between holder and doer for achieving ASIAN CENTURY.

India-China relationship can be best explained as 'Dragon-elephant Tango' within constantly evolving relations between the two.

Due to necessity of interdependence in globalised world - relations are competitive yet promote co-existence.

Recent Development in Relationship:

1Elements of competition:
Rare earth metal export ban of China
API and pharma products: increased custom duty.
Competitive over Sovereignty in (Andaman) sibor
2- Debt-trap diplomacy of India (IS) developmental aid of India as Sri Lanka.
3Events of co-existence:
Recent sea meet - Border talks on IA path
Operation Chhandra: had strategic silence
Trade increasing with default in India
Geopolitical collaboration in GTFO / BRICs eh.
Diplomatic channel re-opened (2024) and USFCI/ ambassador as well.

Continuation of elements and events:

Auel hydrological claims over Brahmaputra
Expansion of BRI in Pak region.
Competing geopolitical claims over India's neighborhood.

(B) - Debt-trap diplomacy of India (IS) developmental aid of India as Sri Lanka.

(C) Events of co-existence:

Recent sea meet - Border talks on IA path
Operation Chhandra: had strategic silence
Trade increasing with default in India
Geopolitical collaboration in GTFO / BRICs eh.
Diplomatic channel re-opened (2024) and USFCI/ ambassador as well.

Future Strategy needed:

1Values of Panchsheel to be integrated with pragmatism.
2Goodwill stock to keep the dragon at bay → Increase defence, Modernisation on Borders (Vibrant village).
3Soft power - Visa sports and tourism to normalise ties.
4Leverage China+1 - to attract investment.
5Friendship - via supply chain clarity peril with private purvue.
6Rao's (Mandala theory) - befriending enemies friend, i.e. Russia for leverage.
7Constant dialogue and de-escalation by Saint Committed for border mgmt.
8China under relation they transverse hand to MILES for 'collective growth.
487 words6 paragraphs

Conclusion

BIMSTEC as PM Modi said, can be a bridge between holder and doer for achieving ASIAN CENTURY. China under relation they transverse hand to MILES for 'collective growth'.

28 words

Diagram

BIMSTEC map showing member countries: Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, India (center), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka arranged geographically

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Page 47

Topper

DEEKSHA CHOURASIA

AIR 442025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings affecting India

BIMSTEC

Aims and Objectives of BIMSTEC

Writing Stats

515

Total words

6

Paragraphs

Academic

Tone