China’s Ascendance Challenges India’s Leadership Ambitions in Global South
General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted that China’s rise complicates India’s efforts to lead the Global South. He emphasized the importance of emerging technologies for national security and called for stronger partnerships and reforms in international structures to enhance India’s global influence. He encouraged India to actively engage in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Army Chief of India, articulated that China’s ascendance as a formidable economic and strategic power complicates India’s ambition to lead the Global South. Speaking at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in Delhi, he emphasized that this competition hampers India’s capacity to influence critical international decisions.
Gen Dwivedi pointed out the importance of recognizing Africa’s potential as a future power center amid shifting global dynamics. Despite India’s vast demographic and geographic advantages, including being the largest democracy and possessing a significant landmass, it still finds itself at a relatively low global standing. He noted, “We have been repeatedly blocked, leaving us with little ability to shape key international decisions directly.”
Further, he commented on the challenges faced by the BRICS alliance due to pushback from the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for India to monitor the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) closely. He underlined the significance of emerging technologies in national security, as they represent the new currency of deterrence, stating, “Technology prowess has become the new currency of deterrence. Data has become the new capital of trade and security.”
In discussing security paradigms, Gen Dwivedi suggested that India should deepen its partnerships in the Global South, advocate for reforms in the UN Security Council, and engage as a mediator in conflict resolutions, leveraging the Indian diaspora for humanitarian causes. He remarked on the need for India to “lead peacekeeping operations” and to direct attention toward socioeconomic development for those less fortunate.
Additionally, he proposed that India should take the lead in the Global War on Terrorism, drawing on direct experiences from regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the northeastern states. He reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to national integration and alignment with India’s evolving security strategies.
In summary, General Upendra Dwivedi’s remarks at the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture shed light on the complexities posed by China’s rise to India’s aspirations of global leadership. He called for stronger partnerships in the Global South, reform in global governance structures, and active engagement in international peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts, urging India to embrace its geographic and demographic strengths to enhance its international standing.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
