By Soumitra Banerji
I am referring to my article on the application of Sun Tzu’s ‘Art of War’ philosophy, making its haunting appearance through China’s geopolitical play involving Pakistan and Bangladesh on isolating India into a standalone Nation-State surrounded by radicalised enemies. These thoughts were expressed by me on 27 May 2025 in “Sun Tzu Haunts Yet Again-Through Pakistan-And Then…” published in Garhwal Post.
This was my interpretation of South Asian Geopolitics then, looking at the scenario post ‘Operation Sindoor’, where the Chinese gloves were so very evident on Pakistani hands.
Were we actually participating in China organised War Games, or were actually at war with Pakistan? This is a question we need to ask ourselves instead of 360 Degrees chest thumping on the operation. We surely won the honours; our integrated Air Defence System did certainly showcase to the world our resilience and holding power…our Boys in Uniform definitely did us immensely proud…yet can we ignore the Chinese Screen Saver so visible as a backdrop on the War Screen?
Then post Operation Sindoor, Sun Tzu moved on to a larger canvas. China used a wide-angle to get Bangladesh…India’s East…also into perspective; a landscape which it had been silently and discretely nurturing. Pre Sheikh Hasina…right through to her ouster…and thereafter with the entry of the Nobel Robot, driven by Chinese AI…Muhammad Yunus…the current Chief Adviser of Bangladesh; steering his Sonar Bangla on to an immaculately tarmacked Chinese highway.
We have already seen a tripartite meeting of China, Pakistan and Bangladesh at Kunming in China, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and exploring deeper engagement among the three countries. This first ever meeting which was hosted by China, involved the foreign secretaries of Pakistan and Bangladesh. This trilateral meeting is seen as a significant development in regional diplomacy, specifically from India’s perspective.
The meeting focused on various areas of cooperation, including trade, industry, education, environmental conservation and water resource management. It also explored the potential for deeper economic and defence cooperation. The trilateral initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its influence in the region and potentially challenge India’s regional dominance.
The next level of the axis integration is an agreement between Pakistan and Bangladesh to allow visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Although I have no personal regard for our LoP (Leader of Opposition), Rahul Gandhi … I couldn’t agree more when he recognised the hand in gloves approach of China-Pakistan front during the Operation Sindoor; which I am sure would be clearly visible to our current dispensation…yet silence might just be a better part of recognised diplomacy…at least that is what I hope.
China’s broader canvas has pumped blood into an already bloated Asif Munir’s heart; specifically after a sumptuous ‘Course Meal’ at the White House…which has made his spokesman go on to say, “We’ll start from the East…They (India) also need to understand that they can be hit everywhere.” (Economist-Aug 3rd, 2025).
This is exactly what Sun Tzu would have desired…and what China desires today…a perfect philosophy of containment of their most powerful contenders in South Asian geopolitics.
Yet what would be most interesting to watch is the team composition at the ‘Tier 1’ level of Nation State players in this round of geopolitical game guided by Sun Tzu…
Will it be a China & US axis at the head of the table, playing the South Asian tango…?
What would be the next big hunter, Russia’s role in the pie?
What would India’s approach and strategy of alliances be in order to maintain her hegemony and influence, as a South Asian leader…?
Will Sun Tzu radiate in course of the next dawn? Or will it be the era of the Philosophy of Gita?
South Asia would certainly enfold as the next ‘Great Game’…
(Soumitra Banerji is an acclaimed Indian author and writer, best known for his thought-provoking novel “Liminal Tides”.)
