Q9. The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples.

Approach

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Introduction

The India-China border dispute, especially after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, has intensified tensions between the two nations, leading to a global reassessment of dependency on China in terms of supply chains and geopolitical alliances. As China's assertive policies in the South China Sea and trade practices raise concerns, nations are increasingly seeking alternatives to reduce reliance on China.

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India as an Alternative to China's Supply Chain:

• Japan's "China Plus One Strategy": Japan is promoting diversification of manufacturing bases. India, with its growing market and improving Ease of Doing Business ranking (63rd in 2020, World Bank), is seen as a preferred destination.
• USA’s "Clean Network Initiative": The U.S. aims to exclude Chinese tech giants like Huawei from 5G networks, with India emerging as a key partner due to its thriving IT sector.
• European Union's Diversification: The EU, focusing on reducing reliance on China post-pandemic, looks to India’s pharmaceutical and tech sectors as viable alternatives.
• Australia’s Trade Diversification: India plays a pivotal role in Australia’s strategy to diversify trade relationships, particularly in education, agriculture, and mining.

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India as a Strategic Ally:

• Quad Initiative: The Quad (USA, India, Japan, Australia) is a key geopolitical partnership aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Malabar Naval Exercises: Involving Quad members, these exercises symbolize military cooperation and readiness against potential Chinese aggression.‍
• India’s Act East Policy: Strengthens India's economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia, balancing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Conclusion

India is emerging as a strategic alternative to China, both economically and militarily, positioning itself as a key player in global geopolitics. With its strong partnerships and diversified economy, India is increasingly seen as a reliable partner in a rapidly changing world order.

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