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Wang Huiyao

Opinion | In Modi’s second term, China and India can overcome their Himalayan differences to benefit Asia

  • The two countries should build on warmer ties fostered during the Indian prime minister’s first term to cooperate on China’s Belt and Road Initiative, deepen trade and investment, and promote greater exchange between people

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Illustration: Craig Stephens

Each year, as winter gives way to spring, glacial melt from the Himalayas joins mighty river systems, such as the Ganges, Indus, Yellow and Yangstze rivers, that bring water, nutrients and energy to over a billion people downstream in China, India and other Asian countries. However, scientists now warn that climate change is disrupting the Himalayan water cycle, posing flood and drought risks to communities across South and East Asia.

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Historically, the Himalayas have been a conduit for the flow of people, trade and ideas between China and India, but also a barrier that kept them apart. Today, Himalayan geography reflects obstacles that still lie between these two nations, but also their deep ties and shared destiny.

The Sino-Indian bilateral relationship will be one of the most important of this century, with profound implications for regional cooperation and globalisation. Following his recent landslide election victory, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term provides a golden window to deepen ties between China and India, building a foundation for an Asian community.
During Modi’s first term, the two countries moved away from points of contention to compromise and cooperation. Modi has departed from India’s traditional non-aligned position towards a balancing act between China and the US. This has seen a marked warming of ties between Beijing and New Delhi. Since 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Modi as many as 15 times, building a strong rapport.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping chat on a houseboat on the East Lake in Wuhan, China, on April 28, 2018. Photo: AFP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping chat on a houseboat on the East Lake in Wuhan, China, on April 28, 2018. Photo: AFP
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Chinese investment into India has risen to US$1.7 billion over the past 4½ years, compared with US$400 million during the decade of Modi’s predecessor. India has participated in Chinese initiatives such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), BRICS New Development Bank and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The AIIB’s second-largest investor, India has become its largest borrower, receiving a quarter of the funds lent.
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