BEJING: Major world powers have abandoned the traditional mind-set of geopolitical competition after the Cold War and embraced peace and development in keeping with the spirit of the times. However, some countries, such as India, still swear by the outdated geopolitical strategy and base their sense of security on narrow national interests and political confrontation.
India's strategic considerations are underpinned by its traditional geopolitical strategy. India reckons regional cooperation promoted by China will bring about a zero-sum game and even jeopardize its national security and interests. New Delhi's clout will weaken because of its dwindling ties with adjacent states, according to Global Times on Tuesday.
When some powers outside the region enter and affect India's sphere of influence, more countries in the region are eager to break away with India. As a result, the geopolitical game in the region surrounding India is likely to grow stronger.
India's opposition to the Belt and Road initiative not only deprives it of an opportunity for development and shows its jealousy toward its neighbors gaining from the initiative, but also reflects New Delhi's dread and delusion with China attempting to grab its sphere of influence.
In addition, the world may suspect that Beijing is trying to isolate New Delhi through the initiative. Hence, India's allegation that its national interests will likely be affected by China's efforts to extend the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan may sound reasonable. Undeniably, India brings trouble to itself making it lose development opportunities.
In fact, the Belt and Road initiative is designed to boost international cooperation following the principle of shared growth through discussion and win-win cooperation.
Instead of pursuing a country's growth at the cost of others or damaging interests of a nation, the initiative is a new geopolitical collaborative model characterized by joint participation and shared development.
China and other countries welcome India to join the initiative. Extending the CPEC to Afghanistan is not intended to undermine India, but to enhance the economic corridor.
As emerging powers responsible for propelling the new international order, China and India should abandon an outdated antagonistic mind-set, uphold the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, participate in regional governance and develop new state-to-state relations.
That's how we can foster a peaceful global environment and stable international order, strive for development featuring openness, innovation, inclusiveness and mutual benefits, boost national, regional and global development and build a community with a shared future for mankind.