First Tango In Five Years

Vijay Gokhale’s article in The Times of India offers a nuanced analysis of India-China relations, urging a multidimensional approach across sub-regional, regional, and global levels. Highlighting challenges like strategic collisions and competition in the Indo-Pacific, it also emphasizes opportunities for collaboration in global frameworks like G20 and BRICS. Gokhale advocates moving beyond a binary view and balancing competition with pragmatic engagement. His well-reasoned insights call for strategic foresight, making this a valuable read for policymakers and scholars alike.

Review of Vijay Gokhale's Article on India-China Relations

Vijay Gokhale's insightful article, published in The Times of India, presents a balanced and forward-looking perspective on the evolving relationship between India and China. Drawing on his vast experience as India’s former ambassador to China, Gokhale underscores the importance of nuanced thinking and strategic engagement in navigating this complex relationship.

The article is a compelling call to move beyond the narrow, binary lens through which India-China relations are often viewed. It emphasizes the need to consider the sub-regional, regional, and global dimensions of this dynamic. Gokhale's analysis is both pragmatic and optimistic, recognizing the challenges while also highlighting opportunities for collaboration.

Key Strengths of the Article:

1. Multidimensional Analysis:

   Gokhale’s ability to dissect India-China relations across sub-regional, regional, and global levels is commendable. He rightly points out that while strategic collision is inevitable at the sub-regional level, and competition persists in the Indo-Pacific, there is ample scope for collaboration at the global level. His emphasis on balancing these dynamics is both timely and relevant.

   
   

2. Encouraging Nuance:

   The article encourages Indians to adopt a more nuanced view of China, moving away from a purely adversarial stance. This is a refreshing perspective in a discourse often dominated by one-dimensional narratives.

   
   

3. Global Context:

   Gokhale highlights China’s role in supporting the Global South and providing an alternative to Western-dominated systems. His acknowledgment of China's contributions to global issues like climate change, financing, and trade adds depth to the article, showcasing the broader implications of India-China cooperation.

   
   

4. Strategic Pragmatism:

   The author’s focus on managing competition while fostering collaboration is pragmatic. Whether it is working together in forums like G20 and BRICS or shaping standards in emerging technologies, Gokhale outlines a roadmap for constructive engagement without compromising strategic autonomy.

   
   

5. Vision for the Indo-Pacific:

   Gokhale’s endorsement of India’s Indo-Pacific vision, articulated by Prime Minister Modi, is noteworthy. He underscores the importance of India’s maritime influence and its rightful place in shaping the region’s future, while also promoting inclusive frameworks that do not exclude China.

   
   

A Positive Takeaway:

The article does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges posed by China’s strategic ambitions, but it also highlights the mutual benefits of cooperation. Gokhale’s call for a "bird’s-eye perspective" rather than a narrow bilateral view is a reminder of the need for strategic foresight in policymaking.

Vijay Gokhale’s article is a masterclass in diplomacy and strategic thinking. It provides a balanced, well-reasoned perspective on India-China relations, urging readers to think beyond the immediate and focus on the larger picture. By advocating for a sophisticated, multi-dimensional approach to engagement with China, the article offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and the general public alike.

Credit goes to The Times of India for publishing this thought-provoking piece, which adds significant value to the ongoing discourse on one of the most critical bilateral relationships of our time.

Full article can be accessed at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/international/first-tango-in-five-years/articleshow/123239942.cms