tirsdag 11. august 2020

After border clash with China, India to continue strengthening ties with U.S., others, experts say

India’s border clash with China in June is likely to accelerate a trend where New Delhi continues to build and strengthen strategic partnerships with the United States and others to protect its national interests, experts told CNBC. The stand-off in the Himalayas began in May and a violent June face-off killed 20 Indian soldiers, putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to respond. China did not disclose if there were casualties on its side.

Former diplomats and political commentators have said the altercation in June was a “turning point” in one of Asia’s most important bilateral relationships. For its part, New Delhi introduced measures in recent months aimed at either sidelining or banning Chinese companies from one of the world’s largest consumer markets, including restricting Chinese investments into India even before the border clash happened.

“The border clash with China is likely to accelerate a trend that was already happening,” Akhil Bery, South Asia analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, told CNBC.