US less reliable? India may need to open the door wider to the Dragon

Rakesh Mohan, an economic adviser to Prime Minister Modi, urged New Delhi to attract more Chinese investment and reconsider joining regional trade pacts. He cited US trade uncertainty as a reason to deepen economic ties with China.

Mohan called for India to rethink its stance on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He also pushed for stronger manufacturing and exports, along with deeper integration into Asian supply chains.

The adviser's comments reflect a growing view in New Delhi that US trade policy shifts create an opening for closer economic engagement with Beijing, even as strategic rivalry persists.