Opinion: India is only on India’s own side

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01:09

China and India, as the two largest developing countries and major emerging markets, have deepened economic ties and cultural exchanges amidst ups and downs in Sino-Indian relations. At the same time, as the US reinforces the notion of "Indo-Pacific," India's role in the ambition of the US has received increasing attention.

So, how does India position itself among the world's major powers? What are the strategic plans of the Indian side when dealing with other countries?

Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale stated that India views China's achievement with admiration. And even though the two countries have different social, economic and political systems, India would like to learn from China.

Speaking of the bilateral ties, Bambawale stressed that there are many common ideas that have brought the two countries together. While admitting that there are few issues on which India and China have differing views, he said that wise leadership on both sides will promote the bilateral relationship by moving ahead in the areas they agree upon.

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Bambawale summarized India's foreign policy as "gearing towards meeting India's interests."

"In the post-war period, India worked very closely with countries across the globe," he said, adding that "We have improved our relations with both big and small countries because we believe that there's something to learn and gain from every country."

He said that India's economic development requires capital, technology and management expertise. India strives to obtain these resources from any country which is willing to help. Bearing this principle in mind, India has managed to maintain excellent ties with China, Russia, Japan, and the US.

Bambawale emphasized that India will continue to work with both the US and Russia in the defense sector. One of India's main objectives is to increase the proportion of manufacturing in India's GDP. In that process, India aims to eventually produce its own defense weapons.

"If anyone in the world can help us in doing that, we would be very happy to move ahead with them, whether it's Russia, or the US, or any other country," concluded Bambawale.

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