It has faced repeated diplomatic setbacks in the region, where its traditional influence had been waning in the face of China’s aggressive push. Regional leaders are showing a “high seriousness in understanding the growing economic clout and the place that India is taking on the global stage,” Rao said. “India’s neighbors are certainly interested in autonomy from India and having the option to engage with China and other outside states. But India is a massive economic and political presence that all governments have to at least do business with,” Staniland said. “China continues to flex a lot of economic muscle, there’s no doubt,” Rao said.

Source: The Telegraph October 11, 2024 16:09 UTC