The politics behind Chindia!

I finally got my HK frequent visitor card by regular post today. The FVC entitles you to faster clearances at the immigration and you do not have to queue up in never ending lines. It’s pretty cool and I guess I will not have to literally run to the immigration after deplaning, to avoid the longer waiting period.

I am sure there isn't a soul on earth that can underestimate the power of Chindia. Those who ignore the emergence of both China and India will do so at great peril; say the co-authors of the book ‘Getting China and India Right’. The writers, Anil K. Gupta and Haiyan Wang advocate a joint China and India strategy for MNCs. According to the duo, in a recent interview with INSEAD, China and India are currently the only two countries in the world where four compelling realities are playing out simultaneously. These are: rapidly growing mega-markets; platforms for global cost reduction; platforms for global innovation; and springboards for the emergence of new fearsome competitors. And I believe, what these wise academicians have to say!!

But what has been disturbing me recently, is the increasing anti-India rhetoric in China and anti-China tirade in India. I'm beginning to think whether in the 21st century we can afford this kind of unfriendliness.

Interestingly amidst this acrimony, there has been a spurt in visas issued to Chinese businessmen in India and over this year till now about 27,000 visas have been issued! Needless to say, that a lot of Indians travel to China on business frequently. I have met during my frequent visits to HK, Indians, who trade with China, and visit there every two weeks or so. So it’s quite clear that the businesses of both these countries want to explore new alliances, better relationships and of course profits in each others’ countries.

So what could be the reason for such mutual unfriendliness? Why can India and China not be the best of friends?

I think the answer lies in the current state of the world economy and the political state of affairs in South Asia. Both countries have progressive economies in an economically challenged world; they have internal issues that need some serious sorting out. Both nations’ citizens along with increasing prosperity are growing demanding of the things that they want and the way they want it. Richness often does that to you! Who doesn’t want value for money?? More so the rich, they have a voice!!

Normally in a kneejerk response, any nation will create an outside fear to make sure it’s Citizens fall in line or do not notice the obvious problems and generally do not become too demanding of their Governments. I think it’s just a way to avoid providing better and consistent service to its Citizens that they owe on account of leading the nations. I think India and China are convenient red herrings for each other. After all the erstwhile USSR and our northwestern neighbors seem to have bitten the dust and can’t do the red herring routine.

I think this is grossly a short term view, because together as friends, Chindia can make it happen! Regarding who is going to lead the world in the coming times, well who cares?? As long as we are all happy, prosperous, rich and safe, that should not matter!

I would like to call upon the fourth estate on both the sides to grow beyond mere rhetoric and try and build a sense of confidence in the people of these two great nations. Let’s for a change look at the obvious! India and China are destined to be natural allies in the very near future!!

I must say though that, I am encouraged by the Premiers of the two nations smiling and meeting up recently in Thailand, followed by a meeting of the foreign ministers in Bangalore. Let’s focus on what we can do together rather than what we can do to each other.

The dreamer that I am, I can’t help but extending the logic further- think of a US, EU, China and India combine-Awesome!!