Strategies India could undertake to counter Chinese aggressions

After the altercation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India which caused casualties on both the sides, India needs to come up with strategic ways to counter China’s aggression.

Increased counter-activity

India could increase its operations in the Strait of Malacca and the region around Indian Ocean. The Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway between the Malay peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It accounts for nearly 80 per cent of Chinese oil imports.

Experts say an increase in Indian activities in this region could disturb Chinese moves on the LAC. However, India will require the support of countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Calling out abuses

India has the second-largest population of Muslims in the world.But China in collusion with Pakistan has constantly questioned India’s secular credentials. The country has made Kashmir a flashpoint at global platforms constantly, and has historically sided with Pakistan.

All this while China commits human rights crimes in its own territories. India must stand up resolutely against human rights violations of the Uighur Muslims.

Xinjiang is the most policed area in China, where the country is running concentration camps in the garb of re-education centres.

Go local!

Additionally, the calls to go local could reap benefits. But boycotting Chinese companies may not be the immediate solution. However, India can take small steps for large-term gains.

A Chinese mobile company, Vivo has retained the rights for the upcoming seasons of the Indian Premier League. It won a bid of over $310 million to sponsor the IPL till 2022. The BCCI should take the lead and look for sponsors other than the Chinese.

India could capitalise on the Chinese regime’s weakness, including the backlash it faced for its handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

In the aftermath, a number of companies are shifting base from China. India could attract investments from such companies. Both the countries have similar things to offer, lots of land and a trained, low-cost labour force.

India, additionally, could revive the issue of Tibet by reviewing the Dalai Lama's official status and treating him at par with other heads of states.