An article in the state-run Global Times on March 22, 2018 captioned 'India shouldn’t make aid to needy neighbors a bargaining chip against China' said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's generosity" to its neighbors, notably Nepal, is worthy of applause" adding that "Increased Indian pledges of aid can support growth in the recipient countries, thus contributing to the shared prosperity that China, the initiator of the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative, has long advocated". Advising that "financial assistance shouldn't be used as a bargaining chip for India to bundle any anti-China terms and conditions with its aid packages", it said "rather than giving in to anxieties about China's presence in India's neighborhood, New Delhi should take a broader view. Other than its neighbors, New Delhi could consider allocating more to countries in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Africa". It concluded with the observation that "efforts by China to push the B&R, intended to benefit all countries and regions along the route, could be a shining example of what India should consider doing. Greater commitments to countries where there is a need for foreign aid and investment would pave the way for India to forge closer ties with China, and also show the world that India is becoming an engine for global growth".
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