The term “Galwan” is trending on X (formerly Twitter). It’s a painful reminder of the 2020 border clash that took the lives of 20 Indian soldiers. The reason it’s trending now is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China in seven years to attend a major summit. To many, this visit seems confusing—why engage with a country that caused such a tragedy just a few years ago?
But a closer look at what’s happening in the world shows that this decision is not a mistake. It’s a smart, calculated move. India, a nation that remembers its sacrifices, is simply doing what every country must do: act in its own best interest. As the old saying goes, “There are no permanent friends or enemies in international relations, only permanent interests.” This visit is the perfect example of that powerful idea.
The American Tariff War
For years, India has been getting closer to the United States to balance China’s growing power. But that relationship has recently hit a rough patch. The US, under President Donald Trump, has started a trade war against India. The US government has hit India with a massive 50% tariff on many of our exported goods, including textiles and jewelry. This move is a direct response to India’s decision to continue buying discounted oil from Russia, which is crucial for our energy security.
This is more than just a trade disagreement. It’s a huge economic blow to our businesses, especially in labor-intensive sectors, and it puts thousands of jobs at risk. It shows that even close partners can use economic power to push their own agendas. India is now facing the tough reality that it cannot rely too much on any single country, no matter how friendly they seem.
Also Read : (Why PM Modi’s China Visit Is Crucial for Global Trade)
A New Chapter with an Old Neighbor
This is where the visit to China makes perfect sense. With one major partner putting on the pressure, India needs to keep its options open. The SCO summit provides a perfect stage for this. It’s not about forgetting Galwan; it’s about making a smart decision for India’s future.
Both countries have been quietly working to fix their relationship. India and China have started talking again about stabilizing the border, and there have been concrete steps like resuming direct flights and easing visa rules. For India’s booming economy, this is critical. China is our second-largest trading partner. Our factories need raw materials and parts from China to keep running. In a world where a major partner is closing its doors with tariffs, it’s not only logical but also necessary for India to make sure its economic engine keeps going. This is what we call strategic autonomy—the freedom to make our own choices without being forced into a corner.
Protecting Our Interests, Not Just Our Friendships
So, when you see “Galwan” trending on social media, remember what’s really going on behind the scenes. This visit is not a sign of weakness or a betrayal of our soldiers. Instead, it is a powerful display of India’s commitment to its own interests.
The leadership knows that in today’s world, a nation must be flexible and ready to adapt. The engagement with China, despite the painful past, is a calculated move to secure our economic future and ensure we are not dependent on any one country. India’s journey is a powerful reminder that in the complicated world of international politics, the pursuit of your own permanent interests is the only way to truly protect your nation and its people.
