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Key Points

Sudheendra Kulkarni has welcomed China's support against US trade actions targeting India. He strongly endorsed Prime Minister Modi's tilt toward closer engagement with Beijing ahead of the SCO summit. The former PMO official argued that India and China together can reshape the global order to make it more democratic. Kulkarni emphasized resolving differences through dialogue rather than military means.

Key Points: Sudheendra Kulkarni Welcomes China Support Against US Tariffs

  • Kulkarni endorses China's criticism of US tariffs on Indian goods
  • Supports Modi's closer engagement with Beijing ahead of SCO summit
  • Advocates India-China cooperation to democratize world order
  • Urges dialogue over military means to resolve differences with China
2 min read

Sudheendra Kulkarni welcomes Beijing stand on US tariffs, says India-China together can change world order

Former PMO official Sudheendra Kulkarni praises China's solidarity against US trade measures, advocates India-China cooperation to reshape global order.

"If we come together, we can change the face of the world - Sudheendra Kulkarni"

New Delhi, Aug 22

Foreign Affairs expert and ex-PMO official, Sudheendra Kulkarni, has welcomed China’s criticism of US trade actions against India, calling it a sign of growing convergence between New Delhi and Beijing.

Reacting to Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong’s remarks condemning Washington’s move to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, Kulkarni said the statement reflected China’s solidarity with India against unilateral American measures.

“The ambassador clearly condemned this action and said there should be no silence in the face of a bully. President Trump is bullying the entire world as if he were the global policeman. No one has appointed him as such,” Kulkarni told IANS on Friday.

He strongly endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent tilt towards closer engagement with Beijing, ahead of the PM’s scheduled visit to China later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit -- his first since 2017. “India and China are neighbours, the world’s two most populous countries, and ancient civilisations. If we come together, we can change the face of the world and give a new, better direction to the world order, making it more democratic and equitable,” he said.

On whether India could trust China, Kulkarni argued that trust should not be viewed through absolutes. “We trusted America, and Prime Minister Modi even campaigned for Trump on American soil. Yet, the same Trump is now behaving in a most unfriendly manner. Times change. We cannot change our neighbours. As former PM Vajpayee said, we can change our friends, but we cannot change our neighbours. So, we must resolve differences with China through dialogue, not via military means,” he noted.

Kulkarni welcomed the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, pointing to progress on border talks. “Both sides have agreed to look for early harvest solutions. In the coming months, we can expect some real breakthroughs,” he said.

On China’s ties with Pakistan, he urged India to look beyond zero-sum perceptions. “Isn’t America also close to Pakistan? The right way forward is for India and Pakistan to normalise ties and resolve disputes through dialogue. Military clashes will not help either side,” he stressed.

Calling for a “New South Asia”, Kulkarni said India, China and Pakistan must work to resolve their differences, paving the way for regional peace and prosperity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the sentiment, we cannot forget China's actions at the border. Trust but verify should be our approach. Solidarity against US tariffs is good, but national security comes first.
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Aditya G
Kulkarni makes valid points. America has been an unreliable partner. At least with China, we share civilizational ties and geographical proximity. Time for pragmatic foreign policy!
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Sarah B
As someone working in international trade, this makes perfect sense. The US tariffs are hurting Indian businesses. We need to explore all options, including better relations with China.
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Vikram M
China supporting India against US? This is interesting development. Maybe the dragon and elephant can dance together after all. But we must proceed with caution and protect our interests.
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Nikhil C
I respectfully disagree with Kulkarni. China's support is tactical, not strategic. They will always put their interests first. We should focus on self-reliance rather than depending on either US or China.

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