US President Barack Obama's India trip is a 'message to China', say analysts
Leaders' rapport highlights New Delhi's mistrust of Beijing, analysts say
US President Barack Obama's trip to India, in which he displayed a close personal rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has highlighted New Delhi's deep mistrust towards Beijing, analysts say.
Obama's appearance as chief guest at India's Republic Day parade on Monday underlined the strengthening ties between the two countries and - according to some analysts - sent a message that India and the US could team up against China if needed.
"The trip is a signal that both nations are exerting pressure on China," said Sun Shihai, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
"It shows that India's worries about China are deep-rooted and have not eased even though Beijing and New Delhi have vowed to deepen cooperation."
Without naming China, Modi and Obama stressed in a joint statement "the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation" over the South China Sea, where China has been involved in bitter maritime disputes and accused of aggression towards regional rivals.
Obama's trip to India came amid attempts by Beijing and New Delhi to boost relations and calm tensions that have simmered since a border war in 1962. In September, China committed to investments worth US$20 billion in India, and vowed to maintain peace along the border.