In an article titled “Bharat Narrative,” China’s state-controlled Global Times, authored by Zhang Jiadong, Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai, praises India’s economic policies and diplomatic achievements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past four years.
The article acknowledges India’s robust economic growth, improvements in urban governance, and a notable shift in attitude towards international relations, particularly with China. It highlights India’s evolving stance on the trade imbalance issue, with a new emphasis on India’s export potential.
Moreover, the piece commends India’s proactive approach in shaping a “Bharat narrative,” showcasing the nation’s strategic confidence. Zhang notes India’s transformation from emphasizing democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the ‘Indian feature’ of democratic politics, reflecting a shift in political and cultural spheres.
China also lauds India’s foreign policy strategy under PM Modi, emphasizing a multi-alignment approach and strengthened ties with major global powers like the US, Japan, and Russia. The article acknowledges India’s move towards a “great power strategy” in foreign policy, citing the multi-alignment strategy advocated by PM Modi.
The author observes India’s aspiration to escape its historical colonial shadow and position itself as a global influencer politically and culturally. The article points out that India, under Modi’s leadership, has transitioned from multi-balancing to multi-alignment, rapidly moving towards becoming a pole in the multipolar world.
In conclusion, Zhang highlights the transformed, stronger, and more assertive India as a new geopolitical factor that countries need to consider. This recognition by the Global Times signifies the growing acknowledgment of India’s global influence and the impact of its assertive posture on the international stage.
