Q. Economic interdependence between India and China can coexist with strategic competition. Discuss this proposition in the context of India’s BRICS engagement. (10 marks, 150 words)
Directions: Intro-------Reason for coexistence + Challenges + Measures------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Briefly describe India & China’s relations with BRICS – Deep economic interdependence coexists with strategic competition - “cooperation amid competition”
Main Body
How does economic interdependence coexist with strategic competition?
- Strong economic complementarities – China is a major trading partner for India, while Indian industries depend on Chinese inputs, machinery and components.
- BRICS provides a platform to expand trade, investment and development cooperation.
- Strategic competition remains intact – Unresolved border & LAC tension remain a major source of rivalry & India concerned about China's strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region and influence in India's neighbourhood.
- China’s issue with India – QUAD partnership.
Cooperation can generate common prosperity, whereas sustained confrontation risks a lose-lose outcome.
- BRICS for shared global south interest – India uses BRICS to promote multipolarity and Global South interests.
- Both countries have common interests in reforming global institutions, development finance and greater representation for developing countries.
- Strategic autonomy – India's BRICS engagement reflects a policy of multi-alignment/strategic autonomy rather than choosing between China and the West.
Challenges
- Unresolved border tension
- India’s dependence & China’s trade surplus concern economic security.
- Divergent positions on BRICS expansion
- Future architecture of the global order can generate friction.
Measures need to be taken
- Continued border negotiations and confidence-building measures
- Domestic manufacturing and technological capabilities
- Diversification rather than decoupling
- Reciprocal and balanced economic engagement
- BRICS cooperation without allowing it to become an anti-Western bloc
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
“Interdependence need not imply strategic trust, just as strategic competition need not require economic isolation.”
