“China has started believing in India’s strength…”: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in London

Jan 11, 2024

London [UK], January 11 (ANI): Citing a recent article published in the Chinese state-controlled Global Times, hailing India's growth story and its rising global stature and heft, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said Beijing's perspective has altered drastically with the emergence of New Delhi as a 'strategic power'. "A columnist for the Global Times, which, in a way, is a mouthpiece for China, published an article with the headline 'What I see about Bharat narrative in India'. This article is a ringing affirmation of the changing Chinese perspective on India. It seems the Chinese government has come to accept that our economic and foreign policies, as well as our changing strategic interests, have helped Bharat emerge as a key global economic player and a strategic power. We don't see anyone as our enemy but the world is aware that the relationship between India and China is currently under strain. However, we wish to cultivate good ties with all our neighbors and countries across the globe," Singh said in London on January 11. Addressing community reception at the India House in London, the Raksha Mantri noted that the columnist, the Global Times piece, asserted that the Chinese government now accepts that India cannot be ignored at the global level. "The writer also noted that the Chinese government now accepts that whether you like Bharat or not, our image and rising global standing can longer be ignored. Previously, when trade imbalances were discussed, India would count on Beijing to minimise trade imbalances between the two countries. However, that trend is no longer in vogue," the Defence Minister added.