New Delhi, May 1: The energy crisis triggered by the closure of the Hormuz Strait due to conflicts in the Middle East has highlighted the contrasting approaches of India and China towards their neighbors during difficult times.
According to an article in the Daily Mirror Online, “When China talks about energy supply, as it did with Taiwan, it comes with a political condition. In contrast, when India provides fuel to Nepal or Sri Lanka, it does so without any political strings attached, based on pre-existing agreements.”
The report notes that while China’s response was swift, it was primarily self-serving. China ordered a halt to new fuel export contracts and attempted to cancel existing supplies, putting countries like Australia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, which rely on Chinese fuel, in a precarious situation.
With a substantial reserve of crude oil and a robust renewable energy sector, China can weather this crisis better than its neighbors. However, Beijing seems to believe that a regional shortage would be more beneficial for its interests.
The article further states that China attempted to leverage the situation to exert pressure on its neighbors, offering oil to Taiwan but demanding peaceful unification in return. Taiwan promptly rejected this proposal. In stark contrast, India took a different approach.
Instead of retreating, India sent approximately 38,000 metric tons of fuel to Sri Lanka, addressing a significant portion of its immediate needs. Fuel supplies to Nepal and Bhutan, which are entirely dependent on India, continued uninterrupted.
Bangladesh also received additional diesel, with assurances of continued supply through pipelines. The article concludes, “These actions were not merely symbolic but are part of India’s ‘Neighbour First’ policy, which has proven effective even in times of genuine crisis.”
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