Key Points
- In the past spotlight shifted to China as India’s engagement with the U.S. slowed due to China’s influence.
- India’s nuclear collaboration with the U.S. is seen as a strategic move to distance itself from China and Russia.
- A potential U.S.-China conflict could entangle smaller nations on an unprecedented scale.
- India’s defense diversification includes significant funds for domestic weapon acquisition, reducing reliance on Russia.
- S. involvement in China-Taiwan dynamics is driven by the Taiwan diaspora’s desire for independence, backed by substantial financial commitments.
Dr. Qamar Cheema held an interview with Dr. Muqtadeer Khan, focusing on India’s Nuclear Reactor deal and China-Taiwan relations.
Dr. Muqtadeer reflected on the historical context, noting that in the years 2006-2007, debates were underway in the realms of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy regarding the potential next global superpower, with China and India being prime contenders. At that juncture, considerable attention was drawn to India due to its English-speaking population and democratic structure. He emphasized the prevalence of democracies among the world’s leading economies, as evidenced by the absence of non-democratic states in the G7. During this period, there was a belief that India could emerge as a dominant force.
Dr. Muqtadeer then highlighted a shift in dynamics post-2006-2007. He stated that China’s influence exerted pressure on India, causing a reduction in the pace of engagement with the United States under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Consequently, the gap between China and India began to widen, shifting the global spotlight towards China. The 2017 Doklam incident marked a turning point, leading India to fortify its defense posture, enhance border infrastructure, and deploy forces in the North East and North West regions. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) was revitalized, further amplifying India’s proactive stance.
However, a significant query emerged regarding the nature of America’s swift alignment with India, seemingly at the expense of other considerations. Dr. Muqtadeer questioned this approach, citing instances such as India’s oil purchases from Russia, which did not elicit any substantial response from the U.S. Despite this, the U.S. displayed an eagerness to extend nuclear technology to India. He speculated that the rush towards India and detachment from Russia is primarily motivated by a strategic move to distance India from China and Russia, positioning it as a key ally.
Dr. Muqtadeer touched upon NATO’s engagement and the prevailing perception that the U.S. is preparing for a potential conflict with China. He envisioned a global conflict surpassing the magnitude of past conflicts, where smaller nations could become inadvertently entangled.
Regarding the future administration, he emphasized that whether it is Trump or Biden in power, the foreign policy approach towards China would likely remain consistent. Dr. Muqtadeer believed that both leaders share an anti-China stance, preserving continuity in policy despite potential differences on domestic fronts.
Discussing the collaboration on nuclear reactors, Dr. Muqtadeer acknowledged India’s longstanding nuclear program. He mentioned a historical episode involving India declining a position in the National Security Council, which is now used for political rhetoric by certain groups. He underscored India’s responsible behaviour in nuclear matters, earning it recognition and support from the U.S. in becoming a nuclear supplier country.
Dr. Muqtadeer delved into India’s diversification of defense procurement sources, including countries like France, Germany, and Italy, reducing dependence on Russia. He highlighted a significant allocation of funds for domestic weapon acquisitions.
In response to the question of America’s motives for creating a gap between India and Russia, Dr. Muqtadeer pointed out the absence of strong people-to-people connections between India and Russia. He suggested that a benchmark for the U.S. could be India’s public condemnation of Russia, indicating a shift in dependence.
Regarding China-Taiwan dynamics, Dr. Muqtadeer dismissed the notion of India and China engaging in a conflict over Taiwan. He explained that the Taiwan diaspora’s fervent desire for independence, driven by a hostile stance towards China, motivates U.S. involvement. The U.S.’s substantial financial commitment to Taiwan’s defense underscores this aspect.
In summation, Dr. Muqtadeer Khan’s interview with Dr. Qamar Cheema offered profound insights into the intricate geopolitics of the India-China-U.S. relationship, touching on nuclear partnerships, strategic realignments, and regional dynamics.
