India is stepping up engagement in its neighbourhood including in the Indian Ocean Region as part of Indo-Pacific vision amid China’s renewed attempts to expand its strategic footprint across Asia by taking advantage of the Covid-19 crisis. With China making efforts to assist countries reeling under the pandemic as part of its “Health Silk Road” initiative, the Modi government has intensified its neighbourhood outreach efforts as parts of Covid diplomacy. China’s new initiative is extension of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – China’s ambitious connectivity initiative, according to persons familiar with Beijing’s plan. Read More…
