• Source:ANI
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Citing a recent article published in the Chinese state-controlled Global Times that praised India's growth narrative and rising global stature, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Beijing's view has significantly changed with the emergence of New Delhi as a "strategic power".

Singh, who is on a visit to the UK, said it seems the Chinese government has come to accept that India's economic and foreign policies have helped Bharat emerge as a key global economic player and a strategic power.

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"A columnist for the Global Times, which, in a way, is a mouthpiece for China, published an article with the headline 'What I see about Bharat narrative in India'. This article is a ringing affirmation of the changing Chinese perspective on India. It seems the Chinese government has come to accept that our economic and foreign policies, as well as our changing strategic interests, have helped Bharat emerge as a key global economic player and a strategic power. We don't see anyone as our enemy but the world is aware that the relationship between India and China is currently under strain. However, we wish to cultivate good ties with all our neighbours and countries across the globe," Singh said during a reception organised by the High Commission of India on his London visit.

Addressing a community reception at the India House in London, Defence Minister also noted that the Chinese government now accepts that India cannot be ignored at the global level. "The writer also noted that the Chinese government now accepts that whether you like Bharat or not, our image and rising global standing can longer be ignored. Previously, when trade imbalances were discussed, India would count on Beijing to minimise trade imbalances between the two countries. However, that trend is no longer in vogue," Singh said as quoted by news agency ANI.

"I believe that the courage shown by our jawans during the standoff with Chinese troops at Galwan (Valley in Arunachal Pradesh) helped alter Beijing's perspective on Bharat. We are no more a weak country in the eyes of the world. We are a rising global power. Ab aisa nhi hai ki Bharat ko ankh dikha ke jo chahe so nikal jaye (No one can scare us and get away with it)," he added.

Earlier this month, the Global Times, in a column titled "Bharat Narrative", praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic policies and diplomatic accomplishments over the last four years in India. It said that "foreign policy has evolved, moving towards a great power strategy," reflecting the strategic thinking of New Delhi.

The opinion piece, written by Zhang Jiadong, the director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai, also underlined India's 'remarkable achievements' across driverse fields and sectors over the past four years. It also recognised India's strong economic expansion, advancements in urban governance, and a change in perspective towards foreign policy, particularly with China.

(With ANI Inputs)

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