In dragon’s shadow, a year to build bridges, mend fences

If the last few weeks of 2017 are any indication, New Delhi faces multiple challenges in its proclaimed “neighbourhood first” policy. And in each task that lies ahead, the Chinese footprint is already unmistakable.

Written by Shubhajit Roy | Updated: January 1, 2018 12:42 am

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(Illustration/Subrata Dhar)

In the Chinese calendar, 2018 is the Year of the Dog. The ‘Earth dog’ is “communicative, serious and responsible in work”. As Indian diplomacy looks ahead at 2018, it might want to follow Chinese wisdom — and be communicative, serious and responsible in its work. For, if the last few weeks of 2017 are any indication, New Delhi faces multiple challenges in its proclaimed “neighbourhood first” policy. And in each task that lies ahead, the Chinese footprint is already unmistakable.