In a surprising turn of events, China’s state-controlled Global Times has praised Bharat’s economic policies and diplomatic achievements in an article titled “Bharat Narrative.” The piece, penned by Zhang Jiadong, the Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai, highlights Bharat’s remarkable progress over the past four years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Jiadong commended Bharat’s robust economic growth, improvements in urban governance, and a notable shift in its attitude towards international relations, particularly with China. He pointed out that Bharat representatives, when discussing the trade imbalance between the two countries, now emphasize Bharat’s export potential rather than solely focusing on China’s measures to reduce the trade gap.
The article applauds Bharat’s proactive approach in fostering a “Bharat narrative” and underscores the nation’s growing strategic confidence. Jiadong notes that with rapid economic and social development, Bharat is becoming more proactive in creating and developing its unique narrative, moving away from the shadows of its historical colonial past.
The piece also lauds Bharat’s foreign policy strategy under PM Modi, highlighting the nation’s multi-alignment approach. Bharat has strengthened ties with major global powers such as the US, Japan, and Russia while maintaining a nuanced stance in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine dispute. The article suggests that Bharat’s foreign policy has undergone a significant shift towards a great power strategy.
According to Jiadong, Bharat, under Modi’s leadership, has advocated for a multi-alignment strategy, promoting relations with various countries and regional organizations. Bharat’s transformation from multi-balancing to multi-alignment in less than a decade indicates a strategic move towards becoming a pole in the multipolar world.
In conclusion, Zhang Jiadong notes that a transformed, stronger, and more assertive Bharat has become a new geopolitical factor that many countries need to consider. This rare acknowledgment by the Global Times underscores the growing recognition of Bharat’s global influence and the implications of its assertive posture on the international landscape.
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