US-China rivalry simmers in India as Trump visits

The Trump administration has championed the use of the term “Indo-Pacific” rather than “Asia Pacific” as it seeks to balance the rising power of China in the region. The Indo-Pacific strategy would place India at the center of the playbook.

“China — at least on the defense and security relationship — is the tie that binds us together,” said Rossow.

Although Washington has been trying to engage India for sometime regarding closer security ties, New Delhi has been slow to respond till recently, said Rossow, pointing out that China is “playing a more active role across South Asia and the India Ocean region.” The Chinese navy has also been an active operator in the Indian Ocean region, and has sent submarines to the region, he added.

And India is beginning to feel the heat as Beijing has not only built up strong relations with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives, but China’s economy and military are also bigger than India, he said.

The underlying reasons for the security partnership between the U.S. and India are beginning to appear more complementary now, said Rossow.

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/25/trump-visits-india-as-modi-administration-balances-us-china-relations.html