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
China’s 2014 Defence Budget: An Assessment
Following on Xi Jinping vision of ‘fight war, win war’, the Chinese military spending is shifting towards higher technology weapons and equipment and training and also illustrates its aim to institute reforms related to troop’s operational commands, organisation and training.