Vijay Gokhale's latest book, "Crosswinds," delves into an alternate perspective on Nehru's approach towards China, shedding light on what can be termed as a monumental misstep in Indian foreign policy. The narrative uncovers Britain's covert involvement, not only in hastening India's official recognition of Mao's China but also in exacerbating the growing discord between New Delhi and Washington D.C.
Gokhale aptly juxtaposes historical geopolitical theories, notably Kautilya's Mandala theory, to underscore the perennial enmity between India and its immediate neighbors, particularly Pakistan and China. This theory, rooted in Arthashastra, highlights the inherent friction and rivalry inherent in such relationships. Furthermore, the book astutely differentiates between the historical China, characterized by a symbiotic relationship with India, and the post-1949 China driven by territorial ambitions and power dynamics.
Through insightful anecdotes, such as Shyam Saran's recollection of a pivotal conversation between Indian and Chinese officials in 1962, Gokhale vividly portrays the transformation of China into a hegemonic and hypocritical force. He critiques Nehru's idealistic approach, which failed to grasp the evolving nature of China under Mao Zedong, leading to strategic blunders such as the Tibetan crisis and the rejection of offers for nuclear cooperation from the United States.
"Crosswinds" builds upon Gokhale's earlier work, "The Long Game," by delving into Britain's role in pressuring India to recognize communist China swiftly. The book exposes Britain's divergent interests from the United States, highlighting its strategic calculations and the manipulation of Nehru's perceptions regarding China. Gokhale's narrative underscores how Britain exploited Nehru's internal preoccupations and sought to diminish India's influence on the global stage.
The author meticulously outlines Britain's nuanced approach, which aimed to isolate India from American influence while aligning with its own geopolitical objectives. By leveraging Nehru's visit to the United States in 1950 and advocating for hasty recognition of Mao's regime, Britain succeeded in sowing discord between India and the U.S. This divisive strategy ultimately weakened India's position vis-à-vis China and hindered its ability to safeguard its interests effectively.
As the narrative unfolds, it prompts reflection on the ramifications of Nehru's policies and raises questions about how the trajectory of Indo-Chinese relations might have differed with a more prudent approach. The book concludes with a call for contemporary Indian leadership to navigate the shifting global dynamics adeptly and to reevaluate its notions of friendship and enmity in the geopolitical arena.
In conclusion, "Crosswinds" is a compelling account that not only critiques past diplomatic failures but also offers valuable insights for navigating India's future foreign policy challenges. Gokhale's meticulous research and incisive analysis make this book essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of Indo-Chinese relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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