The trumping triangle

At a crucial juncture in time, when China is accelerating its relevance across the globe, particularly in Asia, the Trump administration has recognised India, in its new National Security Strategy, as a 'leading global power'. The Trump administration has unambiguously stated that it seeks to deepen its defence partnership with India, while also forging better ties that would propel our country's presence in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. Balancing this proposition, the Trump administration also sidelined Pakistan, demanding it reverses its activities of propelling terror and harbouring terrorists in its state. The US has, time and again, come out to criticise Pakistan for the role it has played in furthering terrorism, particularly in South Asia, that has proven to be detrimental for the citizens of this region as well as for foreign nationals, including members of the US Embassy who function out of this area. Yet, when Hafiz Saeed was released, in the end of November, it displayed that there is little that the international community could do when it came to Pakistan cocooning terrorists in its home ground, providing them with the perfect nourishment to carry on their acts of furthering violence and terror. No amount of bounties, castigation or disrepute on the international front could change Pakistan's ways of conducting its democracy which is crippling by the minute, in the need of urgent revival. Pakistan still manages to continue unabated because of the tacit support that it receives from its all-weather notorious ally, China. China's suspension to power has turned the tables of the 20th century, improving the scope of Asia on the global front. Yet, China's mischievous ways of gambling with power have disconcerted most in this region. Whether to subtly support North Korea's Kim or rejoice Pakistan's harbouring of terrorists, it has not shied away from vouching for every aspect that stands in opposition to western ideals. Given its political strength, burgeoning economy and military power, it stands as a formidable enemy that the west, particularly the USA, seeks to swiftly overcome. Therefore, India becomes significant for the US, to be the beacon that will prohibit China from furthering its territorial domination. China's conniving ways are known to all. This was especially highlighted with the building of the Hambantota Port, which it has now secured under its kitty. The port is located at a crucial juncture in the Indian Ocean, which qualifies as an important destination for China to further its dream of building a 21st century maritime Silk Route. Undoubtedly, this has been disconcerting for India, which sees itself as the kingpin in the Indian Ocean region. China now has also made successful inroads to the Maldives, with the same intention of cementing the crucial maritime Silk Route. During his recent visit to Beijing, President Yameen of Maldives rushed to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China, much to the discontentment of opposition members, who recognise China as a raging dragon looking to only further its presence without foiling its activities for the sake of the countries involved. The lopsided FTA gives China a complete upper-hand to conduct activities in the Maldives in regard to travel, tourism, construction, education, waste management, among others. The business community in the Maldives has reacted sharply to the President' move of signing the FTA, which provides China with unhindered access to carry forth its power mongering activities in the country. China pressurised the President into coming to such an agreement by threatening to withdraw any form of Chinese support in the future, if the President refused to concede to the demands of the FTA. The re-election of Xi Jinping had already emphasised that China was not willing to draw back from its activities of improving territorial dominance—with the OBOR and CPEC already underway. India has reacted sharply against the CPEC as it passes through a portion of the PoK. By the day, China is furthering its dominance by bringing smaller countries of the Indian Ocean region under its wing and thereby dismantling the sovereignty of these countries. China has displayed little regard for ethics or preservation of each country's own sovereignty. This disgruntles India which sees itself emerging as a global power. This disconcerts the USA too, which hopes to continue to remain a superpower with other countries bowing down to it in subservience. While Trump recognising India as a leading global power might be a proud moment, it is nevertheless, tilted to protect the US's own intentions in preserving its autonomy and supremacy. India is increasingly becoming a weapon for the USA to counter China in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. India and the US are on the same page in this respect with both hoping to halt China's accelerated territorial prowess. Yet, before succumbing to the praises of the Trump government, India must be cautious of the US's intent. Further, India must also realise that she herself is a leading country, without the need for recognition by any country in the West. She must posit herself with dignity and affirmity. China's lack of regard for sovereignty must not be replicated by us in a bid to outdo the dragon in the Indian Ocean region.