India is an integral and important party to the Indo-Pacific century but the country seems to have not realise it’s potential role in leading the region going forward. It is evident in its ‘narrow’ and heavy-handedness in dealing with countries in its own ‘backyard’. India loves to meddle in internal politics of its small neighbours as evident in recent election in Sri Lanka or support of ruling party in Bangladesh. It also doesn’t shy away from using harsh measures (taking benefit of its sheer economic size and international stature) to ‘treat’ the country which go against its will. Economic blockade to Nepal (2015) and Bhutan (2013) prove the case. While India is happy in keeping its neighbouring country in ‘their place’ politically, China is slowly and steadily expanding its economic influence in the region not just with the foreign aid but with the investment in infrastructure and businesses. South Asia is therefore a part of ‘One Belt One Road’ strategy of President Xi. Not surprisingly, these countries in South Asia, most of whom are underdeveloped, welcome the move.

India seem to be incognisant of the development aspirations of its neighbours. and thus, as author pointed out, ‘sees the growing Chinese presence in highly securitised terms: a mixture of acute defensiveness over its prerogatives’. However, China role in South Asia is only going to increase and its a new normal that New Delhi ought to acknowledge, sooner the better for them.