Ace diplomat Shyam Saran on how China thinks of India & why it’s flexing its muscle

Ace diplomat Shyam Saran on how China thinks of India & why it’s flexing its muscle

16 July 2022

| Enquiry

China looms over the world.

It’s “no limits” alliance with Russia is a cause of concern.

It’s expansionist belligerence in Asia is a cause of concern.

It’s determination to revisit history and make “China Great Again” is a cause of concern.

But as SHYAM SARAN — former foreign secretary & one of India’s foremost China experts — says, concern is not enough. To strategise efficiently against China, one needs understanding.

In a sweeping new book, How China Sees India, he examines the history of interactions between the 2 countries & sets out some fascinating pathways to understanding.

If India wants to hold its own on the global stage, it will have to identify its distinctive core DNA – and hang on to it. Aping others is not a winner’s card.

So what should India do?