As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, VVM’s Shree Damodar Collegeof Commerce & Economics, Margao had organized an address by Ambassador (Retd.) Gautam Bambawale, Former Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Pakistan and China. The eminent speaker spoke on the topic ‘India in the Changing World Order.’ The talk was held on17th September, 2022at 4:00 pm on Saturday in the College premises. Office bearers of Vidya Vikas Mandal – President Mr Nitin A. Kunkolienker, First Vice President Mr Pritam Morais along with the Principal Prof. Prita D Mallya were present for the occasion. The talk was also attended by other dignitaries, teaching staff, students and invitees.
President Mr Nitin A. Kunkolienker welcomed the esteemed Speaker and the audience. Foregrounding the constant alteration in the geopolitical scenario, Mr. Kunkolienker expressed that everyone should be aware of these shifts and their implications for our economic and political relations with the rest of the world. Prof. Prita D Mallya while introducing the speaker said that the presence of Mr. Bambawale has added glitter to the golden jubilee celebration of the College.
Former Ambassador Gautam Bambawale began his address by congratulating the institution for reaching the historic milestone of 50 years. He wished the College well for the forthcoming years, and said that there is a lot to be done as the College is marching towards its centenary year. Mr Bambawale eloquently touched upon the geopolitical as well as geo-economic phenomena around the world and how they impact India.
Starting with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the learned speaker said that Russia like any other country, reacted to the threat that they faced from NATO. No country would remain indifferent to what might be a missile attack which could be facilitated from neighbouring countries. Moscow took military action against Ukraine, only to protectits national sovereignty. Making several points to highlight the strategic positioning of our country in the Russia- Ukraine war, Mr Bambawale said India and Russia share a very special relationship, which covers military hardware, nuclear commerce and space cooperation. Another component of this relationship is the oil and gas imports from Russia. Considering all these factors, India stood by Russia; however PM Modi didn’t hesitate to repeatedly call for a halt to bloodshed, so as to give diplomacy a chance. This stand is testimony to the fact that in international matters, India takes its own position in the interest of its country and its citizens, and does not bow to international pressure. Recalling the Chinese attempts to make alterations on the Ladhak frontiers, he said that the Indian military could thwart China on the eastern frontiers. However, an important lesson from this incident is that India needs to grow more powerful and enhance its comprehensive national power to protect itself.
The Speaker then drew attention to the more critical trend in geopolitics viz. the rise of China. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China boosted not only trade between the two but also ensured peace at the borders. Over the last few decades, China with her increasing economic power, has become US’s most potent competitor.Most countries including India chose to sit on the fence and watch. But as far as India was concerned, things changed dramatically in April – May 2020 when Beijing moved large numbers of troops to the border with India at Eastern Ladakh, said Mr Bambawale. Since then, there have been increasing tensions at the border and the blame lies entirely at China’s door. This flexing of muscles by China has brought India closer to Japan, Australia, UK and France in terms of international relations.
Analyzing all these aspects of the geopolitical scenario, the worthy speaker argued that India needs to fight China on its own, and should not expect assistance from other nations. Elaborating of the course of action India should be taking, the speaker said “we must realize that we need to build India’s military strength as well as our economic strength. They go hand in hand”. We must achieve high annual rates of GDP growth – at least 7-8% over an extended period of time of over 20 or 25 years. It is also essential that we enhance our spending on defence and military preparedness from the current 1.2 per cent of GDP to about 2 per cent of GDP.
One way India is signalling its unhappiness with China about its aggressive behaviour, is by banning Chinese apps. He also urged the audience to avoid buying Chinese products, despite the fact that they are cheaper – “we can accept this pain in order for our country to gain.” Shedding some light on the attempt of the Indian government to promote aatmanirbhartain the pharmaceutical sector, he said this will help us to be less dependent on China for raw materials. India also needs to develop more reliable and resilient supply chains.
Summing up his address, Mr. Bambawale stated that India needs to strengthen its international ties with countries on China’s borders and other countries of the region. For this to materialize,our international stature will depend on how strong we are internally and domestically. Only this will help reduce the asymmetry that exists between India and China.
The talk culminated with the First Vice-President, Adv. Pritam Morais proposing the Vote of Thanks and everyone singing the National Anthem.
