NEW DELHI: Handling relations with China will be most critical component while looking at Indian Foreign Policy’s security dimension, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said here on Wednesday. Delivering a speech at National Defence College, Mathai said that both India and China were ‘bound to cooperate and compete simultaneously’.
“Managing our relations with China will be probably the most critical element among the security dimensions of India Foreign Policy,” he said.
Mathai noted that while there was a wide-ranging bilateral dialogue, there were also outstanding issues like the boundary question.
“The rapid strides in economic and military capabilities of China and the manner in which China exercises its power is being followed
carefully not only by us but by other neighbours in East Asia, ASEAN and beyond,” he said.
The Foreign Secretary also pointed out that the close military and strategic ties between China and Pakistan impacts on our security environment.
“Our policies and engagements need to factor in this strategic realty and provide us options and additions to safeguard our national interest, beyond our own efforts,” said Mathai.