This refers to the editorial, “South China Sea equation” (December 7). Forging political, economic and strategic ties with Vietnam is quintessential for India to counter the Chinese threat in the South China Sea region. Vietnam may be diametrically opposite to China politically, but in terms of trade and commerce, it enjoys a lion’s share. China, on the other hand, has made the Gwadar port operational and will now dominate the Arabian Sea Trade from the Middle East and Africa. This must worry India.
The issue of Chinese domination in the South China Sea is apparent, owing to Chinese renunciation to honour the verdict of the International Court of Justice which ruled in favour of the Philippines. The need of hour for India is to transpire its diplomatic and political outreach to Vietnam. With a strong leadership at the Centre, we can cement lasting trade and commercial routes. India must corral support of nations who are harassed by the dragon and side by side weigh its bureaucratic advantage.