Opinion: The Great Asian Reconciliation: Can India-China Find Common Ground?

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London is known for its open intellectual climate, where no idea is off-limits. But even in this dynamic city – and indeed in Washington too – it’s almost blasphemous to suggest that Russia and the West can be partners, or that the US and China can coexist as global powers. Recently, Nigel Farage, the Reform Party leader in the UK, faced a storm for urging the West to negotiate sensibly with Russia over Ukraine, calling the war a ‘complete stalemate’. People accused him of “echoing Russian propaganda”.

In India, we often hear that we don’t cultivate a society where all ideas are welcome. But let’s hope that suggesting a new chapter of “Hindi-Cheeni bhai-bhai” (India-China brotherhood) isn’t seen as blasphemy. The strong anti-China sentiment after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 seems to have subsided. We’re buying more Chinese goods now than ever. In 2023, our bilateral trade hit over $136 billion. Hopefully, even those who burnt Chinese products in Gujarat and Delhi following the border skirmishes are more open to the idea now.

Sure, it might sound crazy to suggest that India and China should become trusted partners like the US and India, or Russia and China. But, it’s not entirely out of the question.

Major Geopolitical Shifts

India’s rise to become a global power is unstoppable; even China knows that. Talking to Chinese academics and journalists, you get the sense that they’re open to establishing long-term ties based on mutual respect. They like India, they want more people-to-people interactions, and one of them even wondered recently why India does not try to cast its spell over the dragon through its soft power of Bollywood  

Both countries have the responsibility to lift millions of their combined 2.8 billion people out of poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed country by 2047, which is a huge task. There are challenges, but if India and China team up and leverage each other’s strengths, it could be a major geopolitical shift, with far-reaching implications for global politics. 

Read | Modi-Hasina Should Worry About China, But Not Too Much

The US and its allies might be shocked and deeply concerned by a close India-China partnership. The West has benefited from the rivalry between the two countries as it aligns with their strategy of counterbalancing China’s rise. A partnership between these two Asian giants could undermine the West’s strategic interests in the region. Kishore Mahbubani, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN, has often said that most of Asia would cheer if this were to happen.

So, can India and China find common ground despite tensions over their disputed border? Prof. Mahbubani believes that while the two may never be best friends, they can have a good working relationship. He even says the 21st century belongs to the CIA (China, India, and ASEAN) countries. With US power on the decline, these countries will drive the world’s economic growth.

A Rollercoaster Ride

The idea of India and China being close friends isn’t new. Historically, they’ve acted like quarrelsome neighbours who fight and make up repeatedly. They share a long history of cultural and economic exchange dating back over two millennia. The Silk Road facilitated trade, and Buddhism, which started in India, found a significant following in China. These ancient ties laid a foundation of mutual respect and cultural affinity. During the colonial era, both countries faced subjugation by Western powers, fostering a sense of shared struggle. 

After gaining independence from the British, India faced border issues with China, and they continue to strain their relationship. In the early 1950s, the relationship was marked by camaraderie, epitomised by the slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai“. However, this period of cooperation was short-lived. The border dispute escalated into a full-scale war in 1962, leaving a lasting scar on bilateral relations. The disputed borders, particularly in the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions, remain contentious issues.

Before the Galwan incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi naturally leaned towards engaging with China. As Gujarat’s Chief Minister, he made four trips to the country to attract investment. As Prime Minister, he has visited China twice, and President Xi Jinping reciprocated with two visits to India. Both countries have emerged as major global economic powers, engaging in significant economic competition and areas of cooperation within multilateral frameworks like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Strategic Rivalry

Strategically, India and China view each other with suspicion. The latter’s close ties with Pakistan, its infrastructure projects in South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and its military presence in the Indian Ocean have heightened India’s security concerns.

Conversely, India’s growing partnership with the US and its participation in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is viewed warily by China. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash exacerbated tensions and highlighted the fragility of the relationship. Despite several rounds of military and diplomatic talks, a comprehensive resolution to the border disputes remains elusive.

Mumbai’s Shanghai Dreams

Many youth in India might not know that not too long ago, India used to compare itself with Pakistan in all spheres. This attitude changed around the turn of the millennium, when the Maharashtra government launched a mega project to revamp Mumbai in 2004, based on the “Vision Mumbai” report by Bombay First, an organisation comprising some of Mumbai’s super-rich stakeholders. The report outlined strategies for transforming Mumbai into “another Shanghai”. While the project to transform Mumbai is still a “work in progress”, it marked the beginning of India’s comparisons with China. Today, China sees India as its great rival, at least in Asia.

Read | China Is Revamping Its Military, And India Must Not Take It Lightly

Projections show that the Indian economy will surpass Germany and Japan’s to become the world’s third-largest one by 2027. Currently, however, India’s economy is only 19% the size of China’s, even though it feeds nearly the same number of people. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s nominal GDP in 2023 stood at $3.5 trillion, compared to China’s $18.2 trillion. India’s per capita income was $2,411, while China’s was $12,720. China’s exports last year exceeded $3.38 trillion, while India’s exports were $778 billion.

Collaboration Possibilities

Since China opened its economy in 1978, it has lifted 800 million people out of poverty – a feat that hasn’t been matched by any regime in history. India has also succeeded in reducing poverty significantly. Both nations have many more millions to help. Collaborating in economic development, technology, infrastructure, environmental initiatives, healthcare, cultural exchange, and geopolitical stability can benefit both countries and the world. Overcoming historical tensions and building trust through consistent dialogue will be crucial.

The intense rivalry between the US and China will continue, and India will remain under pressure from the US to stay a reliable partner in its effort to manage China. However, India’s strategic positioning between the US and China can work to its advantage. Ultimately, New Delhi’s strategic interests are best served by a balanced approach that navigates the complex dynamics of US-China relations while advancing its own national objectives. 

India knows that neighbours with shared borders may fight at times, but they can still continue to believe in the ‘love thy neighbour’ dictum.

(Syed Zubair Ahmed is a London-based senior Indian journalist with three decades of experience with the Western media)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

Poacher arrested in Khammam after posting videos of wild animals

Forest officials arrested and remanded a youth who was hunting wild animals in Kusumanchi mandal in the district on Wednesday.

Published Date – 26 June 2024, 11:35 PM


Poacher arrested in Khammam after posting videos of wild animals

Representational Image

Khammam: Posting videos of hunted wild animals on social media platform Instagram has landed a youth in Khammam in jail.

Forest officials arrested and remanded a youth who was hunting wild animals in Kusumanchi mandal in the district on Wednesday. The accused, Tammishetty Vamshi of Polepalli village in the mandal, was accused of killing wild animals such as monitor lizard, rabbits and wild cats. He used to post the videos of the animals on the social media apparently to attract prospective buyers.


Vamshi was arrested following a complaint by an animal activist working with the Stray Animal Foundation of India NGO, Adulapuram Goutham of Karimnagar. He lodged a complaint with the Khammam DFO about the activities of the accused and requested to take action against him after he found the hunter’s videos on social media.

Kusumanchi FRO Srinivas Rao told Telangana Today that the accused was booked under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and was produced before the district court for judicial remand.

Las Vegas shooting: suspect dead after shootings which left 5 people dead

Las Vegas shooting suspect shot himself and authorities found five bodies later

Updated On – 26 June 2024, 03:13 AM


Las Vegas shooting: suspect dead after shootings which left 5 people dead

Las Vegas Shooting

Las Vegas: A man who fatally shot five people and critically injured a 13-year-old girl at apartments near Las Vegas has killed himself, authorities said Tuesday.

The North Las Vegas Police Department said the suspected shooter, 57-year-old Eric Adams, killed himself Tuesday morning as he was confronted by officers in a neighborhood. Authorities had been searching for him since Monday night’s shootings in separate apartment units.


Efforts to locate relatives of Adams for comment weren’t immediately successful.

Police said initially they found two women dead while investigating reports of a shooting late Monday at an apartment in North Las Vegas. One of them was in her early 40s and the other in her late 50s, according to the department.

While officers were investigating, the department said, they learned a teen girl had been taken to a hospital with critical gunshot wounds and that there could be more victims in a nearby apartment.

Officers then found the bodies of two women in their mid-20s and a man in his early 20s. All five victims had been shot, police said. They weren’t immediately identified.

The discovery led to an overnight search for Adams, who authorities had described as “armed and dangerous.” Just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, police learned that the suspect had been seen at a business in North Las Vegas.

As officers arrived in the area, they saw the suspect with a firearm, running into the backyard of a nearby home. The department said officers followed him, but the suspect refused to drop his weapon and died by suicide.

Police haven’t disclosed a motive for the shootings, which they described as an “isolated incident.” A spokesperson for the police department didn’t respond Tuesday to phone and emailed requests for more information.

 

Iraq-based Resistance group attacks Haifa

Issuing a statement, the Iraq-based Resistance group said that it had used drones to attack a vital military target in Haifa.

It said that the anti-Zionist operation was carried out in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in response to the crimes committed by the Tel Aviv regime in the besieged coastal enclave.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted attacks on Israeli targets ever since the occupying regime started the genocidal war on Gaza in early October.

The Zionist regime has been waging an atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian Resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, on October 7.

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Ahead of clash with England in semis, Rohit urges team to ‘play freely’

Asks not to think about what lay ahead when they take on defending champions England

Published Date – 25 June 2024, 08:16 AM


Ahead of clash with England in semis, Rohit urges team to ‘play freely’

Indias captain Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the Super 8 Group 1 match against Australia in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2024, at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, in St Lucia. — Photo:ANI

Gros Islet: After India secured its place in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final, captain Rohit Sharma urged his team to continue playing ‘freely’ and not to think about what lay ahead when they take on defending champions England in semi-finals.

Rohit also stated that hundreds and half-centuries did not count as his blistering 92 set up Men in Blue’s 24-run victory against Australia. Rohit’s swashbuckling 92 followed by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav’s influential spells along with Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner, sealed a 24-run win for India against Australia and sealed their berth in the semi-final of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Monday.


In a turbulent chase where momentum swung like a pendulum at St Lucia, it was India that punched their tickets into the semi-final with a comprehensive win. Rohit’s knock of 92 runs bagged him the Player of the Match award.

When asked about their plans for the semifinal against England, Rohit said that India doesn’t want to do anything different and play the same way they have been in the whole tournament, highlighting the importance of playing freely, and not worrying about the opposition.

“We don’t want to do anything different, play the same way and understand what each person has to do. Play freely and do not think too much about what’s lying ahead. Do not think about the opposition. We have been doing it consistently, just need to continue. (On playing England in the semi) It will be a nice match, nothing changes for us as a team,” Rohit said in a post-match presentation.

The India captain said that they kept doing the things they needed to do as a team and mentioned that 200 was a good score but when a team is playing in St Lucia with breeze being a big factor, anything can happen. “Satisfying. We know the opposition and the threat they bring. As a team, we did well, and kept doing the things we needed to do. Gives us good confidence as a team. 200 is a good score but when you are playing here with wind being a big factor, anything can happen. But I think we used to conditions really well, and it was about individuals doing their job,” he added.

The right-handed batter said that with the pitches in New York being pace-friendly, the left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav had to miss out but they knew he had a big role to play out here in the Caribbean. In India’s last match of Super 8, Kuldeep displayed his crafty spin magic, bagging the wickets of Australia captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell, conceding 24 runs.

“If was about getting wickets at the right time, we know the strength he has, but we need to use him when necessary. In New York, there were seamer-friendly wickets. He had to miss out but we knew he had a big role to play out here,” said the India captain.

Rohit reiterated his fearless batting mantra, saying that it was important for him to open up the off side also due to Australia’s plan of bowling against the breeze. India captain Rohit came roaring out of the traps at the top of the order, making mincemeat of the Australian attack as he hit eight sixes and seven fours in a blistering 92(41), falling narrowly short of a record-breaking century.

‘Appalled’ Hindujas challenge Swiss court’s jail term order, file appeal-Telangana Today

Also dismiss media reports that any members of the family faced detention

Updated On – 22 June 2024, 12:30 PM


‘Appalled’ Hindujas challenge Swiss court’s jail term order, file appeal

Indian-Swiss billionaire family members Namrata Hinduja (3rdR) and Ajay Hinduja (2ndR) arrive at the Genevas courthouse with their lawyers Yael Hayat (L) and Robert Assael (2ndL) at the opening day of their trial for human trafficking. — File Photo

London: Britain’s wealthiest family, the Hindujas, have said they were “appalled” by a Swiss court’s ruling of jail terms for some members and have filed an appeal in a higher court challenging the verdict finding them guilty of exploiting vulnerable domestic workers from India at their villa in Geneva.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family on Friday, lawyers from Switzerland stressed their clients – Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, both in their 70s and their son Ajay and his wife Namrata – had been acquitted of all human trafficking charges.


They also dismissed media reports that any members of the family faced detention after court reports from Geneva said the four were sentenced to between four and four-and-a-half years in prison.

“Our clients have been acquitted of all human trafficking charges. We are appalled and disappointed by the rest of the decision made in this court of first instance, and we have, of course, filed an appeal to the higher court, thereby making this part of the judgement not effective,” reads the statement signed by lawyers Yael Hayat and Robert Assael and Roman Jordan.

“Under Swiss law, the presumption of innocence is paramount till a final judgement by the highest adjudicating authority is enforced. Contrary to some media reports, there is no effective detention for any members of the family,” they said.

The lawyers also pointed out that “it should also be recalled that the plaintiffs in this case had withdrawn their respective complaints after declaring to the court that they had never intended to be involved in such proceedings”.

“The family has full faith in the judicial process and remains confident that the truth will prevail,” they conclude. The statement followed a hearing in the Swiss city of Geneva after prosecutors opened the case for alleged illegal activity, including exploitation, human trafficking and violation of Switzerland’s labour laws.

The family members were accused of seizing the workers’ passports, barring them from leaving the villa and forcing them to work very long hours for a pittance in Switzerland, among other things. Some workers allegedly spoke only Hindi and were paid their wages in rupees in banks back in India that they could not access.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged the family spent more on their dog than on their servants. The family’s legal team had countered the allegations and told the court the staff were treated respectfully and provided with accommodation.

According to ‘The Sunday Times Rich List’ released last month, the UK-based Hinduja family once again emerged as the country’s richest, with wealth estimated at around GBP 37.196 billion. They saw this tally increase over the previous year in the wake of the opening of the brand-new luxury OWO Raffles Hotel in the heart of London.

“Kalki 2898 AD” fervour in Hyderabad

Photos and videos of the fervent celebrations quickly went viral, showing huge crowds of fans erecting posters of Prabhas, bursting firecrackers, dancing to the beats of dhol, and ofcourse causing traffic snarls.

Updated On – 27 June 2024, 01:31 PM


“Kalki 2898 AD” fervour in Hyderabad

Kalki celebrations at Sandhya theatre RTC X road. Photo: Surya Sridhar

Hyderabad: The streets of Hyderabad transformed into a festival ground with the release of much anticipated Nag Ashwin’s “Kalki 2898 AD.” Photos and videos of the fervent celebrations quickly went viral, showing huge crowds of fans erecting posters of Prabhas, bursting firecrackers, dancing to the beats of dhol, and ofcourse causing traffic snarls.

Scores of fans lined up to catch the special shows aired at various theatres in the city, as early as 5 am. Many theatres, including the iconic Sandhya theatre turned into Prabhas’s fan fest. A gigantic cut-out of Prabhas, adorned with firecrackers, was erected outside the theatre.


Kalki 2898 Ad

Kalki celebrations at Sandhya theatre RTC X road. Photo: Surya Sridhar

Fans played the ‘Bhairava Anthem’ from the film, along with other popular songs featuring Prabhas, as fans danced to the beats of dhol. At Prasads’ theatre, Prabhas’ aka Bhairava’s AI-powered vehicle, Bujji, was parked outside, drawing crowds eager to snap photos.This has caused significant traffic snarls in the morning.

Despite a ticket price hike, benefit shows aired in many Hyderabad theatres drew massive crowds. In Telangana the tickets of the film cost Rs. 413 in multiplexes and Rs. 265 in single screens (excluding 3D charges). These prices are exoected to remain for coming seven days. While the release day saw benifit shows early in the morning, the movie is going to be showcased for five gimes suring the firat eight days of its release.

“Kalki 2898 AD” released pan-India in five languages—Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. Touted to be a cultural phenomenen by movie buffs, the narrative seamlessly blends mythology and science fiction, along with technology, set in a futuristic world.

Made over a budget of over 600 crores by Vyjayanthi Movies, the most exoenaive Indian movie includes a stellar cast of Telugu’s much loved Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, and many more cameos.

 

Police seizes 280 kg ganja in Hyderabad, 3 held

According to the police, the trio purchased the contraband from Odhisa and were transporting to Solapur in two cars on Tuesday.

Published Date – 26 June 2024, 04:02 PM


Police seizes 280 kg ganja in Hyderabad, 3 held


Hyderabad: The Rachakonda police arrested three persons who were allegedly smuggling ganja in two cars on Tuesday. The police seized 280 kg ganja, two cars and three mobile phones from them.

The arrested were Bhosale Aba Machhindra (29), Avinash Shivaji Rathod (19) and Siddha Rameshwar Pujari (27), all residents of Solapur in Maharashtra.


According to the police, the trio purchased the contraband from one Teja in Odhisa, and were transporting it to Solapur when they were caught.

“The gang works for Ajay Rathod, a ganja trader in Maharashtra. On his instructions, Bhosale, Avinash and Siddha went to Odhisa and purchased the contraband from Teja, who is a ganja cultivator and supplier. While on way back from Odhisa, the SOT team caught them,” said Rachakonda Commissioner of Police, Tarun Joshi.

Iran-Russia strategic ties are unchangeable: Mokhber

Mokhber made the remarks in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mokhber considered the signing of a joint memorandum regarding the transfer of gas from Russia to Iran as a major step towards deepening the relations between the two countries and an effective measure in the direction of the economic development of the region.

“The implementation of this plan will secure not only the economic interests of the two countries, but also the interests of the entire region,” Iran’s acting president said.

Mokhber further expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the implementation of the agreements between the two countries, and called the strategic bilateral relations unchangeable. He also stressed the importance of Tehran-Moscow negotiations and common views on regional issues.

He expressed hope that the efforts of the two countries to stabilize the region would achieve the desired results.

Mokhber also condemned the recent terrorist incident in Dagestan and expressed his sympathy with the Russian government and people as well as the families of the victims of this crime.

In the telephone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the strategic joint memorandum of understanding on gas transmission between the two countries. 

He regarded this agreement to be a great event in the direction of securing the interests of the two countries and strengthening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the regional and international markets.

The Russian president called the increase in the level of trade exchanges between the two countries satisfactory and the exchange of diplomatic delegations as the best option to lay the groundwork for the development of relations.

Stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has proven that bilateral cooperation with this country does not remain on paper and reaches the stage of implementation, Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for the efforts and seriousness of the late President Raeisi’s government to develop and implement the agreements between the two countries and for the Iranian nation in the elections.

MNA

International Cartoon Contest boycott Genocide -2024

Themes:

Condemning the Israeli Regime’s Participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics

Denying the Israeli Regime’s Genocide and Racism

Criticizing America’s Double Standards on Palestine

Conditions:

• Each participant can submit a maximum of five works.

• Submitted works must not have previously won prizes.

• Cartoons and caricatures must be submitted in png or jpg format with a resolution of 300dpi and a length or width of 3000 pixels.

• Artists must submit their name, surname, postal address, email address, phone number, photo, and resoumr in a word file.

• Works can be submitted by email.

• Please use the following hashtag when sharing your artwork on social media: #OlympicsAgainstGenocide

Prizes:

• First Place: $2000 along with a gold medal and certificate of appreciation

• Second Place: $1500 along with a silver medal and certificate

• Third Place: $1000 along with a bronze medal and certificate

• Two $500 Special Prizes along with a certificate

Deadline: July 16, 2024

Email: olympicartoon@gmail.com

Through the joint collaboration of the five countries of Brazil, Malaysia, China, Venezuela, Turkey, Egypt, and Iran