Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently returned from a six-day trip from 14-19 May during which he visited China, Mongolia and South Korea.
In China, in a break from the traditional diplomatic meetings in Beijing, Modi spent a day with President Xi Jinping in Xi’an, the capital of his home province. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official state visit to Mongolia; In Seoul, India and South Korea elevated its relationship to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’.
Over the course of the trip India signed 44 bilateral MOUs and agreements in addition to the 26 signed between Indian and Chinese companies in Shanghai.
Neelam Deo, Director, Gateway House, reviews the three country tour and what it means for India’s relations with China, Mongolia and South Korea, going forward.
China
Neelam Deo: “In international relations personal relationships are quite important…the dominance that Modi and Xi have can certainly now help change the atmospherics that surround India-China relations.”
Neelam Deo: “Modi has been most outspoken on how the differences are holding back the relationship and wants the country(India) to move to more intense economic engagement.”
Mongolia
Neelam Deo: “Mongolia is sandwiched between Russia and China in the same way Nepal is sandwiched between India and China. By being present in countries where China has an overwhelming presence it is important to signal that they(Mongolia) have options.”
South Korea
Neelam Deo: “South Korea is just as interested in the relationship as India is…a strong partnership with them(South Korea) will help revive the ship building industry in India.”
Hosted by Dev Lewis, Digital Media and Content Coordinator, Gateway House
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