 |
|
India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has defended the scrutiny of Chinese investment in India, citing the ongoing border dispute and the strained relationship between the two nations. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar asserted that even countries without a direct conflict with China implement similar measures, highlighting the security implications of Chinese investment. He emphasized that India faces a unique challenge with China, beyond the global concerns regarding Chinese influence. This ‘special China problem’ stems from the ongoing border tensions that have persisted for the past four years.
Jaishankar highlighted the delicate balance between economic and security considerations, acknowledging that India has never opposed receiving investments from China. He attributed India's growing trade deficit with China to a past policy that overlooked the advantages of Chinese production. In a broader context, Jaishankar emphasized that the question is not whether to accept Chinese investment, but rather how to manage it with appropriate levels of scrutiny. He compared India's situation to that of Europe and the United States, which also maintain heightened vigilance despite not sharing a border with China.
Turning to India's regional relations, Jaishankar stressed the importance of fostering investments between India and its neighbors. He suggested that increased investment in the region would contribute to a more resilient geopolitical landscape. While addressing the new government in Bangladesh, Jaishankar expressed a measured approach, opting to wait for a few months before assessing the situation. He highlighted India's role in stabilizing the region, citing the improvements in relations with the Maldives, where India provided crucial support during a challenging period. Jaishankar also emphasized India's significant contributions to Sri Lanka, including vaccine and fertilizer assistance, asserting that the country would have faced a far more difficult situation had it solely relied on the IMF for support.
Source: It's common sense to scrutinise Chinese investment: EAM Jaishankar at ET World Leaders Forum