Vijay Gokhale on Crosswinds of History: India, China, and the Cold War's Hidden Game

This episode of Interpreting India dives into the history of India's relationship with China during the first decade of the People's Republic of China's existence (1949-1959). It explores how India navigated the complex geopolitical landscape amidst the "forgotten" competition between the declining British Empire and the emerging superpower, the United States.

Episode Notes

In this episode of Interpreting India, we delve into the often-overlooked history of India's early relationship with China. Author Vijay Gokhale former Indian Foreign Secretary, takes us back to the 1940s and 50s, exploring pivotal moments like India's quick reaction of the People's Republic of China and its involvement in the Taiwan Straits crises. Beyond familiar narratives of border disputes and Tibet, Gokhale sheds light on a "forgotten" rivalry: the struggle between a declining British Empire and a rising United States, which powerfully shaped India's diplomatic dance with both China and the West. We navigate the complex alliances under Prime Minister Nehru, gleaning valuable lessons for understanding India's present approach to Asia and China. Gokhale's book, "Crosswinds," offers a new perspective on this crucial period, prompting us to reconsider the forces that shaped a nation's foreign policy. So, tune in as we unpack the past, revealing its enduring relevance for the present and the future.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS

Vijay Gokhale is a nonresident senior fellow at Carnegie India. Mr. Gokhale retired from the Indian Foreign Service in January 2020 after a diplomatic career that spanned thirty-nine years. From January 2018 to January 2020, he served as the foreign secretary of India.

Srinath Raghavan is a nonresident senior fellow at Carnegie India. He is also a professor of International Relations and History at Ashoka University. His primary research focus is on the contemporary and historical aspects of India’s foreign and security policies.

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[upadhyayrathiraj]

The problem was, Nehru thought that only he had the brains and acumen to deal with the foreign policy. He never consulted with anyone and met his nemesis after 1962.

[aravinddnivara]

Thanks to this discussion and also for writing the book. Congress wants to say that Nehru was always right for political reasons. We have to depend on people like you to know what went right and what went wrong among Nehru s foreign policy that we lost POK, we lost Aksai chin, he even ended up making Pakistan an ally of USA wherein USA wanted to be on our side. Except for NAM Nehru failed badly on foreign policy.

[surendrabarsode]

1. Excellent discussions on the topic quite relevant even today. 2. Whatever be Nehru's ideas, understanding and policies about China in particular and USA as well, they were proved totally wrong in his own life time. In fact, his policies led to almost permanent damage to the national interest then and throughout last 75 years since our independence. Sardar Patel could be seen to be much more astute and logical compared to Nehru. 3. There is another book by one Sikh historian from Ministry of External Affairs published a couple of years ago, that describes how Nehru went totally wrong in his Chine policy. He has quoted extensively from archives of the Ministry. 4. Given this, while BJP is bound to launch offensive on Nehru and Congress rule in general, the fact remains that Nehru in hindsight did incalculable damage to India's interests so far as China and Pakistan is concerned. Since he was the sole decision maker, he was fully responsible for the failure of his policies, which now completely dwarf his other achievements. 5. While Pakistan of course is not worth talking about, it must be said that its leadership was much more astute in securing their national interests.

[edsorbk]

Ha! Ha! trying to impose conditions on China for your recognition? What could India offer then? Really not much.