TTLA: India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 - 2019)

1. Full name of the researcher:Nguyen Thi Oanh2. Gender:Female
3. Date of birth:10/10/1989                                                     4. Place of birth:Nghe An
5. Decision to recognize graduate students:1806/2018/QD-XHNV dated June 29, 2018 of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in training process (if any):12-month study period extension (from July 2021 to June 2022).
7. Thesis topic name:India's China Policy Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 - 2019)
8. Major:International Relations9. Code:9310601.01
10. Scientific instructor:Prof. Dr. Hoang Khac Nam
11. Summary of new results of the thesis:

• The research objective of the topic is to clarify India's foreign policy towards China, thereby assessing the impact of this policy (on the region, Vietnam) and providing policy implications for Vietnam.
• The subject of the thesis is India's foreign policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Research method:As the topic of international studies, the main research methods are international relations research methods to examine the birth and content of India's policy towards China from the perspective of the interaction of geostrategic and geopolitical interests of major countries in international relations. Specifically, the thesis uses the following main methods: System analysis method, policy research method, historical method, discourse research method, content analysis method, comparative method. In addition, the topic uses other complementary methods in international relations research such as observation method; document research; analysis and explanation.
• New scientific contributions of the thesis:The thesis is the first monograph in Vietnam to study India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The research results have the following new points: Firstly, from the perspective of Vietnamese researchers, the thesis has comprehensively, systematically and highly generalized India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 - 2019), pointing out the basis of formation (theory and influencing factors), and policy content (goals, principles, implementation methods, policy implementation). Thereby, making comments on policy characteristics, assessing the achievements, limitations/challenges of the policy as well as assessing the impact of India's policy towards China under Prime Minister N. Modi (2014 - 2019) on the Southeast Asia, South Asia/Indian Ocean region and Vietnam; Second, the thesis provides some policy suggestions for Vietnam in its relations with India and China. Third, the research results of the thesis can be a source of reference for those interested in India's foreign policy and India-China relations.
• Conclusion of the thesis:(i) Regarding internal and external factors affecting the formation of India's policy towards China: India's policy towards China is the result of the combined impact of internal and external factors at four levels: global, regional, national and individual. This also contributes to clarifying the role of variables in shaping India's foreign policy. (ii) Regarding the level of impact of factors, if system-level variables directly affect the way a country chooses tools, strategies and foreign policy goals, then foreign policy is a continuation of domestic policy, serving domestic policy. While external factors are conditional factors, the domestic situation is the causal factor, having the most direct impact on the process of building and implementing India's foreign policy towards China, determining the level of continuity (inheritance) and change (adjustment) in foreign policy. (iii) Regarding the content of India's policy towards China, the diversity and complexity of internal and external factors have determined the complexity and "multi-directionality" in the content of New Delhi's policy towards Beijing. This is reflected in the simultaneous implementation of four policies: cooperation, conflict management, balance of power and containment of New Delhi's influence on Beijing. Therefore, for New Delhi, Beijing is both a partner and a competitor. (iv) Regarding the continuity and adjustment of India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Modi compared to previous governments. The continuity of policy is reflected in: stabilizing political relations for economic development; pragmatic approach to economic development; competition for influence in Asia and, resolving border issues. The adjustment of policy is reflected in India's approach of placing China on an equal footing with China, implementing an external balancing policy to contain China. (v) Overall, in the period 2014 - 2019, despite many policy adjustments from India, India - China relations still maintained a stable trend within the framework of "cold peace" because political, security and border conflicts have not been thoroughly resolved. (vi) Vietnam needs to deeply perceive and correctly assess the new policies and developments in India - China relations in the current period to come up with timely and appropriate foreign policy guidelines. In which, national interests and national sovereignty are always the top priorities in foreign policy.

History of International Relations; Strategies of major powers; Foreign policies of major powers, Indian political institutions; India's policies and relations with major powers (US, China, Japan) and neighboring countries (South Asia, Southeast Asia), International security and conflicts; international relations theory.

13. Publications related to the thesis:

Vietnamese works:

1. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Nguyen Thi Oanh (2018), “India's maritime strategy in the first two decades of the 21st century”, Journal of Indian and Asian Studies 10 (71), pp. 1-7, ISSN: 0866-7314;
2. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Van Linh (2018), “India's response to China's Belt and Road Initiative”, Foreign Affairs Magazine, Central Foreign Affairs Commission 108, pp. 13-17, ISSN: 1859-2899;
3. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2018), “Some features of India's nuclear policy from 1947 to present”, Journal of Indian and Asian Studies 11 (72), pp. 30-39, ISSN: 0866-7314;
4. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2019), “India's “Western Connectivity” Policy under Prime Minister N. Modi”, Journal of Indian and Asian Studies 11 (84), pp. 1-10, ISSN: 0866-7314;
5. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “Basic characteristics of the political party system of the Republic of India”, Journal of Indian and Asian Studies 5 (90), pp. 46-56, ISSN: 0866-7314;
6. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “India's role in the Indo-Pacific region”, Journal of Indian and Asian Studies 7 (92), pp.1-8, ISSN 0866-7314;
7. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “The impact of internal factors on India's policy towards China under Prime Minister N. Modi”, Journal of Indian and Asian Studies11 (96), pp. 9-17, ISSN 0866-7314;
8. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2021), “India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendea Modi”, Journal of China Studies 4 (236), pp. 38-56, ISSN: 0868-3670.
9. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2021), “India's conflict management policy with China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and policy implications for Vietnam”, Journal of Historical Studies 10 (546), pp. 73-82, ISSN: 0866-7494.

English works:

1. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Pham Thuy Nguyen (2019), “The “Modi Doctrine” and “the rise” of India: From Vietnam's perspectives”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies 1 (1), pp. 24-36, ISSN: 0866-7314;
2. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “India in the Indo - Pacific region and the prospects of India - Vietnam cooperation” in Jayachandra Reddy G, Nguyen Xuan Trung (eds, 2020), India - Vietnam Enhancing Partnership, Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi, India -110085 (India), pp. 218-231, ISBN: 9789389695960;
3. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Xuan Trung (2020), “China - India Relations after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China: A perspective of Vietnam”, in Nguyen Xuan Trung, Le Thi Hang Nga, Dang Thu Thuy (eds, 2020), International Conference Proceedings India's Relations with neighboring coutries in the new contexts, Social Sciences Publishing House, pp. 165-194, ISBN: 978-604-308-053-7,
4. Nguyen Le Thy Thuong, Nguyen Thi Oanh (2021), “Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific Region: Perception, Position and Perspectives”, India Quarterly (1-14), Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA& SAGE), Scopus Q3, DOI: 10.1177/09749284211005036journals.sagepub.com/home/iqq.
5. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Pham Thuy Nguyen (2021), “Vietnam and India's approach to the Indo - Pacific region: implication for bilateral relations promotion”, Journal of Liberty and International Affairs 6 (3), Institute for Research and European Studies - Bitola (North Macedonia), eISSN: 1857 - 9760, pp. 62-78, DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.47305/JLIA2163062to;
6. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Van Linh (2021), “China's Infrastructure Diplomacy in South Asia: Motives and Impacts”, IAR Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 2(2), ISSN Print: 2708 - 6259; ISSN online: 2708 - 6267, pp. 34-42; DOI: 10.47310/iarjhss.2021.v02i02.006.

INFORMATION ON DOCTORAL THESIS

1. Full name:Nguyen Thi Oanh
2. Sex:Female
3. Date of birth: 10/10/1989
4. Place of birth:Nghe An
5. Amission decision number:1806/2018/QD-XHNV date: June 29, 2018 by University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Hanoi National University.
6. Changes in academic process: extend the deadline of the course: 12 months (from July 2021 to June 2022.
7. Official thesis title:India's Policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 - 2019)
8. Major:International Relations
9. Code:9310601.01
10. Supervisors:Prof. Dr. Hoang Khac Nam
11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis
- Research purpose:The research objective of the thesis is to clarify India's foreign policy towards China, its impact on the region, Vietnam and policy recommendations to Vietnam.
- Research object:The research object of the thesis is India's foreign policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The research methods used:This thesis is about international studies, so the research methods are mainly those of international relations to consider the beginning, the content of India's policy towards China in the perspective of the profitable interaction of geo-strategy and geo-politics of the bigger countries in the international relations, in which: The analysis of system, the policy research methods, the discourse research method, Content Analysis method, Comparative method. Furthermore, the thesis uses other complementary methods in researching the international relations such as observation method; documentary research method; comparative method; methods of analysis and explanation.
- Main results:The thesis is the first monograph work in Vietnam that studies India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The research results have some new points, as follows:Fristly, from the view of Vietnamese researchers, the thesis has been done thoroughly, rationally and highly generalized India's policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 - 2019), pointing out the basis of formation (theories and investigating factors), and policy content (objectives, principles, executive methods, policy implementation). Thereby, comments on policy characteristics, evaluating the achievements, limitations/challenges of the policy as well as assessing the impact of India's policy on China under Prime Minister N. Modi (2014 - 2019) on Southeast Asia, South Asia /Indian Ocean and Vietnam have been made;Secondly, the thesis proposes some policy suggestions for Vietnam in the relations with India and China as well as in dealing with border issues with China.Thirdly, the research results of the thesis can be a source of reference for those who are interested in Indian foreign policy and India-China relations.
- Conclusions: (i) Regarding the internal and external factors affecting the formation of India's policy towards China: India's policy towards China is the result of the combined effects of internal and external factors at four levels: global, regional, national and inpidual. The changes in India's foreign policy toward China under Prime Minister N. Modi are not out of the trend, which also contributes to the clarification of the role of variables in shaping India's foreign policy. (ii)Regarding the impact level of factors, if systematic variables affect the way to choose a nation's foreign policy tools, directly and objectives, then the foreign policy is the continuation of domestic policy, supporting domestic policy. Therefore, whereas external factors are conditional factors, the domestic situation is the primary one which the most directly impacts on India's foreign policy development and implementation towards China. Changes in domestic variables determine continuity (inheritance) and change (adjustment) in foreign policy. (iii) Regarding the content of India's policy towards China, the persistence and complexity of the internal and external factors have determined the complexity and "Omni direction" in New Delhi's policy content towards Beijing. It can be said that this is a statement referring to Modi's tough policy towards the countries, especially China, that have conflicts with India. Therefore, to New Delhi, Beijing is both a partner and a competitor. There is a competitive element in cooperation and an element of cooperation in competition on the other hand. (iv) Regarding the adjustment of India's policy towards China under Modi versus its predecessor government. Under Modi, New Delhi's policy toward Beijing was a continuation, a modified succession of the policies of the previous periods, in which the most obvious is the principle of strategic autonomy. And the adjustment is clearly demonstrated in India's approach to place India at an equal position with China, implementing a policy of external balance to restrain China. (v) Regarding the India - China relations under Prime Minister Modi. Overall, in the period 2014 - 2019, although there were many policy adjustments from India, it can be seen that the India - China relations maintain the trend of stable development, within the framework of "cold peace" due to the incompletely resolved conflicts of politics, security and borders.(vi) To Vietnam, it is necessary to deeply recognize and properly evaluate the policies and developments of the India - China relations in the current period in order to make out a timely and appropriate foreign policy. Of all, the national benefits and sovereignty are always the top priority in foreign policy
12. Future research directions
History of International Relations; Strategy of major countries; Foreign Policy of Major Countries, Political Institutions of India; Policy and relations of India with major countries (USA, China, Japan) and neighboring countries (South Asia, Southeast Asia), Security and international conflicts; international relations theory.
13. Thesis-related publications
Publications in Vietnamese:

1. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Nguyen Thi Oanh (2018), “India's maritime strategy in the first two decades of the twentieth century”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies” 10 (71), pp. 1-7, ISSN: 0866-7314;
2. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Van Linh (2018), “India's Response to China's Belt and Road Initiative”, External Relations Review 108, pp. 13-17, ISSN: 1859-2899;
3. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2018), “Some features of India's nuclear policy from 1947 to present”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies11 (72), pp. 30-39, ISSN: 0866-7314;
4. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2019), “India's "link West" Policy Under Prime Minister N. Modi”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies11 (84), pp.1-10,ISSN: 0866-7314;
5. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “Basic features of the political party system of the Republic of India”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies5 (90), pp. 46-56, ISSN: 0866-7314;
6. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “Role of India in the Indo - Pacific region”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies 7 (92), pp. 1-8, ISSN 0866-7314;
7. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “Impact of internal factors on India's policy towards China under Prime Minister N. Modi”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies 11 (96), pp. 9-17, ISSN 0866-7314;
8. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2021), “India's Policy towards China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 - 2019)”, Chinese Studies Review 4 (236), pp. 38-56, ISSN: 0868-3670.
9. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2021), “India's conflict management policy with China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and policy implications for Vietnam”, Historical Studies Review10 (546), pp. 73-82, ISSN: 0866-7494.

1. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Pham Thuy Nguyen (2019), “The “Modi Doctrine” and “the rise” of India: From Vietnam's perspectives”, Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies 1 (1), pp. 24-36, ISSN: 0866-7314;
2. Nguyen Thi Oanh (2020), “India in the Indo - Pacific region and the prospects of India - Vietnam cooperation” in Jayachandra Reddy G, Nguyen Xuan Trung (eds, 2020), India -Vietnam Enhancing Partnership, Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi, India -110085 (India), pp. 218-231, ISBN: 9789389695960;
3. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Xuan Trung (2020), “China-India Relations after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China: A perspective of Vietnam”, in Nguyen Xuan Trung, Le Thi Hang Nga, Dang Thu Thuy (eds, 2020), International Conference Proceedings India's Relations with neighboring coutries in the new contexts, Social Sciences Publishing House, pp. 165-194, ISBN: 978-604-308-053-7,
4. Nguyen Le Thy Thuong, Nguyen Thi Oanh (2021), “Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific Region: Perception, Position and Perspectives”, India Quarterly (1-14), Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA& SAGE), Scopus Q3, DOI: 10.1177/09749284211005036journals.sagepub.com/home/iqq.
5. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Pham Thuy Nguyen (2021), “Vietnam and India's approach to the Indo-Pacific region: implication for bilateral relations promotion”, Journal of Liberty and International Affairs 6 (3), Institute for Research and European Studies - Bitola (North Macedonia), eISSN: 1857-9760, pp. 62-78, DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.47305/JLIA2163062to;
6. Nguyen Thi Oanh, Nguyen Van Linh (2021), “China's Infrastructure Diplomacy in South Asia: Motives and Impacts”, IAR Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 2 (2), ISSN Print: 2708-6259; ISSN online: 2708-6267, pp. 34-42; DOI: 10.47310/iarjhss.2021.v02i02.006.