Geopolitical Dynamics at the SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit highlighted current geopolitical tensions. Despite the symbolic gesture of a three-way handshake, the event underscored the complexity of forming a cohesive Eurasian coalition against the United States, particularly given Modi's notable absence from China's military parade.

Implications of Modi's Absence

• Symbolic Distancing: Modi’s decision not to attend underscores India's cautious stance toward China’s reinterpretation of historical narratives for contemporary geopolitical gains.
• Alignment with Quad: Modi’s absence aligns him with the Quad powers (Australia, Japan, and the United States), who also chose not to participate, emphasizing a collective stance on China's rising influence.

Historical Context and Divergent Memories

Asia remains divided in its memory of World War II, with China leveraging its wartime narrative to bolster nationalistic fervor and assert its dominance in Asia.

• China’s Historical Narrative: Emphasizes resistance against Japanese aggression and seeks to position China as a pre-eminent power in Asia.
• Japan’s Position: Japan's past as both oppressor and a catalyst for decolonization presents a complex historical legacy in the region.
• India's Complex Legacy: India's involvement in World War II was marked by internal divisions, resistance against British colonial rule, and the role of the Indian National Army.

Divergent National Experiences

The varied national experiences during the war contribute to the current geopolitical landscape:

• China endured prolonged Japanese occupation, influencing its nationalist movements.
• Korea faced colonization and subsequent division.
• Southeast Asian nations initially welcomed Japanese promises of liberation from European colonial powers but later experienced Japanese imperialism's harsh realities.

India-China Nationalist Movements

Despite shared anti-imperial sentiments, India and China failed to bridge their differences during the nationalist movements:

• India's focus was on freeing itself from British rule, while China fought against Japanese occupation.
• India's internal divisions and differing strategies during the war led to missed opportunities for solidarity with China.

Modern Geopolitical Implications

The historical complexities continue to influence current geopolitical strategies and alignments in Asia:

• India’s diplomatic choices reflect its cautious approach to China's growing influence.
• The absence of Indian representatives at the Beijing parade highlights ongoing divergences in historical interpretation and future visions for Asia.

Conclusion

The article concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding historical and geopolitical contexts to avoid repeating past mistakes. For India, the challenge lies in navigating the complex interplay between major powers like Washington, Moscow, and Beijing to define its national interests effectively.