China’s Growing Role in Latin America

There have been 220 foreign visits by Union Ministers between January 2020 and November 2023, but only six to Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Foreign visits by government delegations are one of the most visible manifestations of diplomacy that helped India to enhance its standing across the globe. That is why India should focus on enhancing its ties with LAC nations. Though India and LAC countries are similar in many ways and have great affinity, the former’s presence, apart from diaspora, is limited when compared to the Chinese presence in the region. In 2023, India’s trade with the LAC countries accounted for around USD 50 billion, whereas Chinese trade was USD 489 billion. So, how has the People’s Republic of China (PRC) become so influential in the LAC? Why is China so keen to enhance its grip in the Atlantic? What are the factors that have helped the PRC to develop its ties with the LAC countries? That is why it has become essential to assess Chinese foreign policy. This article also analyses the economic and military presence of China in the LAC region vis-à-vis land, sea, air and space. In an emerging multipolar world, the LAC countries do not want to be squeezed in between the West and China. It is, therefore, important for their national interests to diversify their relations with other major powers. That is where India, the “Voice for the Global South”, can offer much.