Nepal, July 16 -- The United States' recent renaming of the Indo-Pacific Command to the Pacific Command reveals its shifting geopolitical thrust, which has been swinging between the pivot to Asia and involvement in the war in Iran. However, over time, some Indo-Pacific countries have reinvigorated ties with the US, keeping China's rise in mind. These countries don't necessarily share the US perspective on China but have their own concerns regarding China's rise and its implications for the region.

In this context, Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand carries significance. Before Modi's visit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited India on July 1-3 to attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit...