Is Asia No Longer Scripted by a Single Superpower?

Beijing, Sep 2 (NationPress) During a pivotal meeting in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the necessity for peace and stability along the contested border with China. This encounter with President Xi Jinping occurred on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where every action was intentionally calculated, as noted in a report published on Tuesday.

Despite diplomatic gestures, a staggering 60,000 soldiers remain stationed—disengaged yet alert—highlighting the persistent lack of trust between India and China.

The report elaborated that the Himalayan border disputes continue to loom over the relations of the 2.8 billion inhabitants of these two nations. Historical conflicts such as the 1962 war, 1967 clashes, and recent tensions like Galwan in 2020 serve as reminders of the unresolved animosities, despite what may appear as a thaw in relations since October 2024, as articulated by former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao in India Narrative.

After a five-year pause, pilgrimages to Kailash-Manasarovar are set to resume, direct flights are on the horizon, and visa processes are becoming more efficient. However, India's $100 billion trade deficit with China exposes a stark reality: the country’s reliance on Chinese imports significantly affects its manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. This paradox of diplomatic warmth and dependency remains a challenging balance.

The report indicates that both China and India have opted for partnership over rivalry, as demonstrated in their carefully orchestrated diplomacy in Tianjin.

Rao remarked, "The bow is drawn, the aim uncertain. More than being the elephant, as some refer to it, India is the archer standing on a thin iceberg. The slightest tremor can shift the balance. India must be prepared."

The future of Asia hinges on whether its giants, India and China, can transcend historical disputes to cultivate a multipolar world characterized by prudence, patience, and purpose.

At the SCO Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside PM Modi and Xi, symbolized a trilateral proximity uniting India, China, and Russia.

The media captured moments of camaraderie, from handshakes to shared laughter, while highlighting significant themes. While Putin denounced Western "bullying", Xi emphasized the need for multipolarity, and Modi reiterated India's strategic autonomy, voicing concerns over terrorism and advocating for a multipolar Asia.

This carefully staged performance was intentional, sending a powerful message: Asia is no longer dictated by a single superpower. India will not dissolve into China's shadow nor become a mere pawn for Washington, while Russia maintains its relevance despite sanctions. The imagery was striking: Modi, Xi, and Putin—three leaders, three paths, converging momentarily in a shared narrative.