India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence at China’s 75th Anniversary Grand Military Parade held on September 3, 2025 has caused much debate and has raised serious concerns regarding bilateral relations between both countries. Attracting many world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un; Modi’s non-attendance has drawn significant attention; especially given geopolitical tensions between both nations in recent times.
Diplomatic Deliberate or Strategic Decree?
Modi’s decision to skip the parade can be taken as more than an oversight; its timing coincides with rising tensions between India and China over Himalayan border disputes, especially following military standoffs involving Indian and Chinese troops resulting in casualties on both sides. Although efforts have been made to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels, tensions continue to run high; continuing tension cast a cloud over India-China ties.
Indian reluctance to attend high-profile events with China, such as its military parade, could be seen as evidence of ongoing security concerns. Modi’s decision not to attend may have been calculated in order to avoid signaling any form of reconciliation with Beijing as long as their border dispute remains unresolved; similarly he likely wanted to avoid appearing as endorsing China’s military display, given its delicate political and security situation in the region.
Introducing The Quad Factor and Building Alliances
Modi’s absence could also have been affected by India’s foreign policy shifts. Particularly its closer strategic alignment with the U.S., as well as participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising Japan, Australia and the U.S. This forum serves as part of India’s strategy to counterbalance China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with discussions focused on Chinese assertiveness in South China Sea waters as well as economic practices and its increasing military footprint.
Modi’s decision not to attend China’s military parade can be seen as part of India’s commitment to the Quad and its larger security and economic interests in responding to China’s rise. The U.S. and its allies have voiced serious concerns over China’s militarized expansion as it challenges existing international order; as India strengthens ties with these nations – particularly defense technology providers – attending a Chinese military parade may have run counter to India’s overall strategic objectives.
China and India Are Gaining Influence and Caution Respectively
Modi’s government has increasingly taken an uneasy stance towards China as India’s primary trading partner, yet is wary of Beijing due to their rising influence both regionally and globally. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), its ambitious infrastructure project that spans Asia, Africa, and Europe has caused concern in New Delhi regarding how its proposed altering regional power structures, specifically with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh becoming under China’s encumbrance.
As India has strengthened its position in the Indo-Pacific region through engagement with regional powers like Japan and Australia as well as an expansion in military capabilities, its own position has also strengthened. India’s presence at this parade was notable by the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is an indicator of India’s careful balancing act aimed at maintaining economic ties while countering China’s geopolitical influence over time.
Modi’s Regional Priorities and Engagements
India has also prioritized strengthening its relationships with other Asian nations, especially its key regional allies, under Modi’s diplomatic engagements. He has utilized initiatives like Act East policy and growing presence in multilateral organizations like Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expand India’s leadership position within Asia. By opting out of China’s grand parade, Modi may have signalled his preference for deeper engagement with regional players over China as India faces domestic challenges and an evolving global order.
India’s growing relationship with Western powers–notably the United States–has put further strain on Prime Minister Modi to align more closely with democratic allies than an increasingly authoritarian China. His absence at China’s parade could be seen as an affirmation of India’s values and commitment to an open international order; China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, particularly in South China Sea disputes, has raised considerable alarm among India.
India-China Relations in their Current Form and Their Prospects Going Forward
Modi’s decision not to attend China’s grand military parade may appear like a subtle diplomatic move, yet it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in their relationship. From unresolved border issues and strategic rivalry to differing approaches towards regional security and global governance – tension has long plagued this relationship between two nations. India’s careful approach towards engaging China underscored by Modi staying away is indicative of this reality.
As both countries work to navigate this complicated relationship, India-China ties will likely be determined by continued dialogue, military posturing and economic considerations. Though Modi’s absence at the parade was likely indicative of India’s strategic priorities, dialogue and cooperation remain open–provided any underlying issues related to border disputes are resolved in an efficient and respectful manner that does not undermine India’s national security interests.