Key Points:
- The designation of India as a Naval Logistic Hub by the United States to counter China’s influence was a focal point during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the US, with less emphasis on the US’s benefits from the deal.
- The recent virtual SCO summit can be seen as a smart move to avoid potential complications if Xi Jinping and Putin had attended, but it was also considered a missed opportunity for India.
- The outcomes of the SCO summit were closely scrutinized, with attention given to both what was said and what was not said, emphasizing the significance of the unspoken aspects of the summit.
In a recent conversation at Dr. Qamar Cheema Show Dr. Muqtader Khan while talking about the decision of the United States to designate India as a Naval Logistic Hub in order to counter China, emphasized that the recent visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US primarily focused on what India would gain from the deal, while giving relatively less attention to what the US would benefit. Essentially, the agreement implies that Indian bases will serve as key locations for US naval operations. This arrangement entails offshore deployment of American Navy Ships, along with training facilities and accommodations. As a result, US ports will now witness the presence of American naval vessels. This development marks a significant milestone in US military strategy, as it enables them to establish a major stopover point between the Middle East and Taiwan, utilizing the strategic locations of Chinné and Goa to their advantage.
While talking about the Navl bases and about the consent of Indian Media, Government and Policy Makers he expressed a critical view. He emphasizing the lack of parliamentary debate and media scrutiny surrounding the Prime Minister’s decisions. He mentioned a bipartisan consensus, exemplified by Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement of the BJP’s China policy while there may be disagreements regarding the Galwan incident. However, there is a shared perception of China as a threat, leading India to align more closely with the US. He suggested that the timing of granting the bases seemed premature, as India could have negotiated further benefits from the US. Dr Khan said that the nature of the bases, whether they would resemble proper campuses or just serve as repair facilities, raises questions about security and logistics. But in either case these bases would provide the US with a foothold and strength within India.
While responding a question related to the recent SCO summit, Dr. Khan explained that the decision to hold a virtual summit was made several months in advance. There were concerns that if Xi Jinping and Putin would attend the summit in India, it would raise questions about various sensitive issues. He stressed that holding the summit virtually was a smart move to avoid potential complications but at the same time it was a missed opportunity for India. He said that the outcomes of the summit were closely scrutinized, with attention given to both what was said and what was not said. He also referred to a review by the Quincy Institute, highlighting the significance of the unspoken aspects of the summit.
While discussing decoupling and Janet Yellen’s recent visit to China, Dr. Muqtader highlighted the clear dominance of China in the recent SCO summit. China’s statements rejecting camp politics and aggressive hegemonic actions were noted. He said that contrary to the notion of decoupling, Janet Yellen’s visit was seen as promoting engagement. Yellen’s statements emphasized the need to separate disagreements on security matters from trade issues. There were indirect references to sanctions as well. He highlighted that there has been a notable increase in high-level delegations visiting China over the past few months, with discussions often overlooked by mainstream media. These interactions are viewed as preparatory work for a future meeting between President Biden and Xi Jinping.
In response to Dr. Qamar’s question regarding India’s apprehension towards the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its stance in the SCO summit, Dr. Khan explained that India finds itself in a difficult position. He pointed out that the BRI routes pass through territories that India claims, particularly in relation to Kashmir. Accepting the BRI would potentially weaken India’s stance on Kashmir and could be seen as an implicit acceptance of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LOC). Furthermore, the BRI primarily benefits China and not India. Since India has no significant investments or larger interests in the BRI, it is natural for India to refrain from supporting it.