Jacob Wiencek asked: In what ways is India strengthening its own geo-political position in South Asia in response to increasing Chinese assertiveness?

S.D. Muni replies: India is strengthening its connectivity with neighbours, streamlining its economic engagement including assistance programmes, and is strengthening forces of democracy and secularism. There are also moves to reinforce security cooperation and ensure stability in the region. India's growing commitment to Afghanistan and Myanmar, as also trilateral security agreement with Sri Lanka and Maldives, are indicative of this effort. China no doubt has huge economic advantage over India in South Asia, but India's cultural roots and political access is second to none. India needs to employ its soft power in relation to the neighbours more assertively.

Posted on February 18, 2014