The ongoing geopolitical interactions between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi, as well as between Modi and Xi Jinping, signal continuing nuances in the relationships among India, China, and the United States.
Despite the high-decibel speculation, the nature of these ties is not new; they reflect a longstanding oscillation between cooperation and conflict.
India’s trajectory in global relations has been shaped significantly since the era of its first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Nehru’s professed affinity for socialism, despite his aristocratic roots, fostered collaborations with the Soviet Union and other countries inclined to oppose the US during the Cold War.
In the Non-aligned Movement, Nehru found allies in leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and Marshal Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, both of whom were opposed to what they viewed as Western Imperialism.
Nasser, wary of the US-led Baghdad Pact meant to counter Soviet influence in the Middle East, refused to join.
While Tito sought American assistance in 1949 due to threats from the Soviet Union, he maintained his socialist principles, highlighting a complex alliance structure that also involved Nehru.
This historical backdrop casts a long shadow over current events, revealing patterns of shifting allegiances and strategic positioning.
Amid these historical ties, India faced a significant test during the 1962 Chinese invasion, which strained its relations with China and, unexpectedly, drew it closer to the United States as it sought military aid from Western nations.
During this period, the Soviets expressed concern over India leaning towards the capitalist West, emphasizing the fragile balance of friendship and rivalry that characterized India’s foreign policy.
Enter the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War amid rising tensions, the US and UK sided with Pakistan, showcasing contrasting allegiances that further complicated India’s geopolitical landscape.
The Soviet Union intervened decisively in favor of India, demonstrating its strategic support during critical moments, and reminding India of a recurring dependency on Soviet backing when the US distanced itself.
Such dynamics laid the groundwork for India’s contemporary stance, particularly evident in its neutral approach to Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict, which reflects historical alliances.
Simultaneously, Nehru’s intricate relationship with China is notable—with attempts to embrace China in a spirit of cooperation hampered by territorial disputes and ideological differences.
As Nehru invited the Dalai Lama to India following the 1950 Chinese invasion of Tibet, tensions escalated, eventually culminating in the disastrous Sino-Indian conflict of 1962.
This complicated legacy frames today’s outlook, as both India and China navigate their relationship shaped by historical grievances.
In the present, even as India thrives in expanding trade relations with the United States while acknowledging shared democratic values, ongoing strategic discord remains a characteristic feature of their relationship.
Notably, Pakistan, often marked by military rule, has received consistent support from the US, leading to a diplomatic rift with India that continues to influence regional geopolitics.
The multifaceted nature of these relationships, underscored by historical grievances and strategic calculations, complicates the current landscape where diplomatic overtures can swiftly pivot towards deeper divides.
As we observe India’s foreign policy today, emphasizing its historical baggage with both Russia and the United States provides pertinent context for its current positions.
Understanding the modern interplay among India, China, and the United States requires a nuanced appreciation of their intertwined histories—remarkably defined by cooperation, conflict, and the enduring quest for strategic advantage.
This complex web of international relations is not merely a reflection of contemporary politics but rather a manifestation of decisions and alliances forged across decades, shaping each nation’s aspirations and interactions on the global stage.
In conclusion, India’s assertiveness on the world stage must be contextualized within this long legacy of geopolitical maneuvering, which continues to inform its strategies in an ever-evolving global order.
image source from：lowyinstitute
