Reflecting on post-Galwan dynamics, Yeo noted that both India and the US opportunistically aligned against China but added that the arrangement remains tactical and situational. “It’s an ad-hoc relationship,” he said, pointing out how India did not condemn Russia over Ukraine and the US continues to shield Pakistan.
Despite current tensions, Yeo believes India-China ties are not fundamentally adversarial. “There are no fundamental contradictions between India and China. Historically, they are not enemies,” he said, adding that the border war remains a raw memory in India but is “largely forgotten in China.” He said demarcation, as successfully done between China and Russia, is achievable for India and China too.On domestic priorities, Yeo emphasised that India must focus on economic growth, especially to absorb its surplus labour pool. “Manufacturing is critical to absorb this surplus labour,” he said. “India should concentrate on its own economic development and try not to get too embroiled in other people’s affairs.”
Addressing global unpredictability, Yeo warned against overreacting to leaders like Donald Trump. “Trump changes his mind all the time… God knows what he’ll say the next day,” he remarked. While Trump wields power, India must think long term and act in line with its national interest.
Yeo also dismissed recent remarks by the NATO Secretary General urging India, China, and Brazil to pressure Russia on Ukraine. “I think his remarks are a little laughable… I don’t think India or China will be intimidated at all. They will take it with some rare amusement,” he said.
Ultimately, Yeo underscored India’s growing stature in global affairs, stressing that it is “too big and too old to be anybody’s satellite.” He added, “India will be aligned to itself and be a pole onto itself in the multipolar world.”
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