China must reconsider its perspective on India and Southeast Asia, viewing them not as mere pawns in the US strategy to contain China, but as sovereign countries with agencyby Sana HashmiThe discourse on India’s deepening security engagement in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region often spotlights China’s assertive military posturing and strained ties between the two countries.

A Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter flying over the Himalayan ranges in LadakhItanagar: Aware of China continuing to strengthen military positions and ramping up infrastructures, including developing airports along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet, India has upped its ante to keep a close eye on Chinese activities.New Delhi’s alertness has intensified since Indo-China bilateral