Think Tank: Why is India willing to jointly contain China with Europe?
The rise of China dominating Asia does not serve European interests, as it would set global business rules. Similarly, being adjacent to a strategic competitor is certainly not in India's interest, so India must prevent China's economic dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
The EU and India are caught between the United States and China, struggling to find their position. The two countries must establish a new trade partnership.
In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama led 170 sailors from Lisbon to India. His successful voyage opened a centuries-long complex direct interaction history between Europe and the subcontinent, including trade and colonization. However, India has never been merely a European colony, and after gaining independence in 1947, it quickly regained its geopolitical advantage. During the Cold War, India tried to lead the Non-Aligned Movement, positioning itself as a middle path between the blocs led by the Soviet Union and the United States.
Today, India plays a key role not only politically but also economically. India currently has the fourth-largest GDP in the world, accounting for about 18% of the world's population, and has become an important country in manufacturing, trade, and services. However, New Delhi has transformed its non-alignment into "multi-alignment," opening new doors for partnerships.
The EU is already India's largest trading partner, with goods trade reaching 124 billion euros in 2023, accounting for 12.2% of India's total trade. In 2023, service trade between the EU and India reached nearly 60 billion euros, with one-third being digital services. By 2050, India's GDP could reach 30 trillion dollars (currently 4 trillion dollars), while Europe's share of the global GDP may fall below 10%. If Europe wants to maintain its importance, it should strive to build stronger relationships with growth drivers.
The challenges in Sino-Indian relations are significant, but reaching consensus in key areas does not mean excluding other areas. Failing to recognize this fact has caused Europe to miss many opportunities for external engagement. In the increasingly intensified global technological and economic conflict, the EU and India face the risk of being squeezed by the United States and China. Brussels and New Delhi can and should become each other's best partners.
Source: The National Interest
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841316639729728/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.