'We have to approach China in a very hard-headed manner': Ashok Kantha

A panel of strategic experts debates the state of bilateral relations between India and China following recent high-level engagements. Brahma Chellaney questions the excessive focus on diplomatic handshakes and argues that New Delhi has steadily lost ground, stating, 'India is moving to normalize relations with Beijing largely on China\'s terms.' He highlights the ballooning trade deficit, ongoing Chinese export controls on critical technologies, and the shift from demanding status quo ante to mere peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control. Zorawar Daulet Singh contends that sustained contact and detente remain essential for India to safeguard strategic autonomy, manage border friction, and leverage Asia\'s dominant manufacturing powerhouse amidst global fragmentation. Ross Feingold provides perspective from Taiwan on the regional security implications of a potential Sino-Indian rapprochement. The discussion examines whether structural economic asymmetries and unresolved frontier disputes outweigh high-level bilateral summits.

In an interview with India Today, former NITI Aayog CEO and ex-G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant analyzed the outcomes of the unanimously adopted BRICS Delhi Declaration. He highlighted that reaching consensus sends a strong message against unilateral tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and coercive secondary economic sanctions, which severely impact India and the Global South. Addressing the absence of specific country names in the declaration, Kant noted that multilateral communiqués traditionally maintain diplomatic phrasing while delivering clear signals regarding unpredictable US trade policies. Furthermore, he emphasized that post-World War II global governance institutions like the United Nations, the Security Council, and the World Trade Organization have become irrelevant for emerging economies, necessitating comprehensive reforms. Addressing China's role, Kant observed, "China weaponizes technology," explaining how Beijing dominates clean energy processing and battery manufacturing. He asserted that China must open up and share manufacturing opportunities with fellow BRICS members to build long-term trust and ensure collective economic growth.

A ground report from Malda district in West Bengal reveals severe inundation caused by swelling waters in the River Ganga and Mahananda. Excess water flowing downstream from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has completely submerged villages along the riverbanks, including Ratanpur in the Ratua gram panchayat, for over ten days. While National Disaster Response Force teams, civil defence units, and Malda police carry out rescue operations using boats, several families and livestock remain stranded amid severe bank erosion. At the Mahananda Tola Swastha Kendra primary health centre, floodwaters have risen over five feet, leaving outdoor facilities submerged and the power supply completely disconnected. Despite pitch darkness and the threat of venomous snakes entering the building at night, medical officer Dr Arijit Sutradhar and health staff remain stationed round the clock to run emergency services, attending to patients who arrive on local country boats.

In an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed accusations regarding military, strategic, and technological assistance from Russia and China, stating, "Russia and China are friends," while expressing a desire to deepen relations with India. He asserted that Iran's resilience against foreign powers stems not from external technology, but from internal unity and consistency among its people. Addressing speculation regarding the health and security of Iran's supreme leader, Pezeshkian confirmed that the leader is alive and performing his duties. He accused the United States and Israel of committing state terror, remarking, "They are the real terrorists in the world," and condemned their military strikes and assassinations across the region. When questioned about the transition of authority and governance in Iran, Pezeshkian confirmed that the supreme leader retains the final say. Pezeshkian concluded by emphasizing that Iran will stand firm and resist attempts by totalitarian powers to isolate the country.